Tuesday June 29, 2021 | VICTORIA, BC [Update July 31, 2021 — BC Chief Coroner tallied over 560 deaths directly related to the heat dome]
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc., Editor | Island Social Trends
At least 103 deaths have occurred in BC due to the extreme heat wave that was at its most intense since Friday June 25, continued through the past weekend, and into yesterday June 28.
Deaths related to the heat will continue to be reported, said BC’s chief coroner Lisa Lapointe in a statement around 4:15 pm today.
Earlier today Premier John Horgan said that the extreme heat health crisis has come on top of the BC health care system dealing with two other continuing health emergencies (COVID & the overdose crisis).
The numbers:
Coroner Lapointe’s statement about public safety during the heat wave in the province details some of the numbers:
“Since the onset of the heat wave late last week, the BC Coroners Service has experienced a significant increase in deaths reported where it is suspected that extreme heat has been contributory. The Coroners Service would normally receive approximately 130 reports of death over a four-day period. From Friday June 25 through 3 pm on Monday June 28, at least 233 deaths were reported. This number will increase as data continues to be updated,” Lapointe said.
“I extend my condolences to those who have lost a loved one during this unprecedented time,” she added.
“Coroners are carefully gathering all information available for each death reported, to determine the cause and manner of death, and whether excessive heat played a role,” it was stated in today’s release.
Be mindful of the risks:
“Environmental heat exposure can lead to severe or fatal results, particularly in older people, infants and young children and those with chronic illnesses. It is important that people are mindful of these risks and follow the guidelines shared last week by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, including to drink plenty of fluids, keep cool by finding an air-conditioned building or seeking out the shade and, most importantly, regularly checking on loved ones and neighbours,” the coroner stated this afternoon.
Island Health heat-info session:
Last Friday Island Health held a media session specifically about the health risks of the heat. Dr Mike Benusic said that people should try to remain indoors or out of the sun, stay hydrated, and check on others who may be at additional risk due to age or existing health challenges.
The issue of air conditioning was raised by Island Social Trends during that session. Dr Benusic said that Island Health says it will begin to work with municipalities regarding air cooling requirements in houses and other buildings.
In BC only about 40 to 50 percent of households have air cooling in place (i.e. air conditioners or heat exchangers).
Clinics closed due to heat:
Several COVID immunization clinics had to be closed over the weekend and yesterday (some still today) due to heat levels in community venues that were not air conditioned. The concerns were the safety of staff and patrons, but also maintaining the integrity of the vaccine doses themselves.
Learning fast:
Due to this heat dome which contained the record-breaking heat for four days intensely on South Vancouver Island (in addition to locations throughout BC), people have come quickly up to speed on basic lifestyle adaptations for protection from sun exposure and prolonged elevated heat.
That includes staying indoors or going outdoors for limited periods of time, wearing a hat, wearing sunscreen at least at UV protection factor 30 to 40, staying hydrated, spending time in the coolest part of the house or building (usually the northeast), keeping blinds or shades drawn during daylight hours, keeping windows open for fresh air ventilation, and checking on others who may be vulnerable.
Temperatures that are considered to be above seasonal norms are in the weather forecast to continue to the end of this week. See current Weather Forecasts for the West Shore.
For tips to stay cool, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24758
===== LINKS:
BC Hydro: heat wave generates peak summer electricity usage (June 29, 2021)
Island Health on municipal building standards: helping to adapt during extreme heat (June 27, 2021)
Immunization Appointments at Eagle Ridge Arena being rebooked (June 27, 2021)
Health tips for the heat, from Island Health (June 25, 2021)