Projections
Extreme heat can have significant impacts on communities, including health and safety risks leading to increased mortality, more frequent wildfires that degrade air quality, ecosystem loss, reduced food production, and increased economic costs associated with infrastructure damage. Residents can improve their resilience to heat and smoke - see resources below for options.
Saanich Emergency Program
- Visit the Saanich Emergency Program webpage and follow @saanichEP on Twitter for local emergency information
Extreme Heat Information Portal and Map
- View the Capital Region Extreme Heat Information Portal and Map. The interactive map highlights areas in the region most vulnerable to extreme heat, and provides information on how to prepare.
Protect your Health
- How to protect yourself from extreme heat - Island Health
- Protect yourself from wildfire smoke - Island Health
Climate Adaptation in Buildings
- View our tips on 10 tips for coping with wildfire-smoke
- View our tips on How to stay cool at home in extreme heat and keep reading below for more information
- Visit CleanBC web pages for more tips on keeping your home cool in the summer and information on rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades
- Check out low cost solutions for renters
- Cooler condos - How strata councils and residents can address overheating risk
Reduce indoor sources of heat
To reduce indoor heat generation during extreme heat events, avoid cooking indoors or doing laundry on the hottest days of the year or the hottest part of the day. To save energy and keep your home cool on laundry days, wash your clothes in cold water and let them line dry. Minimize the use of a dishwasher and switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Keep heat and smoke out of your home
Providing outside shading, especially on the southern or western sides of your home, can help cool your home inside. Outdoor shading options include installing external window shades, awnings or overhangs and planting trees in front of windows. Consider installing blackout curtains or other reflective material to keep out the sun’s heat.
Choose efficient air conditioning
Installing a heat pump is the recommended option for single-family home upgrades. Heat pumps can be up to 50% more energy efficient than a typical window air-conditioning unit.
If a heat pump isn’t an option, Natural Resources Canada offers advice on air conditioning, including free-standing portable units.
For multi-unit buildings, learn more about heat pumps for stratas in this four-minute video, or check out other helpful resources and webinar recordings (January 8, 2022 webinar) shared by the Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association.
Improve air quality
To improve indoor air quality, refrain from burning candles, incense and smoking inside your home.
Did you know that heat pumps, in addition to heating and cooling your home, also provide air filtration? A heat pump is a great climate adaptation measure to ensure your home is adapted to warmer and smokier summers. Check saanich.ca/maketheswitch for more information on heat pumps and saanich.ca/rebates for rebates and incentives.
If you have a central heating system, you can run your furnace/system on fan mode to benefit from recirculated air filtration. Ensure your furnace filters are regularly maintained and have a high enough rating for your needs. If your thermostat doesn’t have a fan setting, speak with a professional to set up the fan mode.
Purchasing an air purifier is another option to improve indoor air quality. Visit Natural Resources Canada for more information on air purifiers.