A successful response to Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke (EHWS) events depends on a strong response plan, developed before the event occurs. In some years, heat waves begin as early as May.
A response plan will look different for different organizations, depending on their size, building configuration, staffing levels, location, and other factors.
An EHWS response plan may include the following components:
Staff Training
Site staff who have direct contact with tenants/clients should understand the health impacts of extreme heat You may need to provide training in staff meetings or distribute information by other methods.
Resources:
Internal Notification Process
Consider setting up an internal notification process for EHWS events. The process should notify all relevant staff, from directors to managers to site staff. Activate the process when Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes a Special Weather Statement or Alert related to EHWS.
Resources:
- Public Weather Alerts for British Columbia
- Air Quality Health Index- View Air Quality Health Index readings for your area.
- BC Heat Impacts Prediction System- An interactive map that supports health protection during hot weather.
Tenant/Client Vulnerability Assessment and Extreme Weather Check-In Plan
While everyone is at risk during EHWS events, identify tenants/clients with specific risk factors. Doing so will help prioritize extreme weather check-in and additional support. BC Housing has created a extreme weather check-in card for tenants/clients that can be used as part of a extreme weather check-in plan.
Resources:
- Extreme Weather Check-In Card - Leave check-in card at the door when conducting extreme weather check-ins
- VCH Heat Check-in Support Framework for Non-Governmental Organizations – This framework was created by Vancouver Coastal Health to help organizations develop their own organizational check-in plans.
- This framework is supplemented by a heat check-in training video and a Heat check-ins: train-the trainer video produced by Vancouver Coastal Health.
On-site Cooling Options
If your site does not have in-suite air conditioning, set up on-site cooling rooms or outdoor cooling spaces. Cooling rooms and spaces provideprotection from heat-related illness and improve comfort. Air conditioners andair purifiers can be used in these spaces to create a place of refuge.
If you do not have an appropriate space, notify tenants/clients about cooling spaces in the area. To locate cooling centres, check the websites and social media of your local governments or call them. Libraries, indoor shopping malls,community centres, and cinemas may have air conditioning and act as cooling centres. Parks or other shaded green space are usually cooler than other outdoor areas.
Resources:
- How to Cool a Space
- Find a cooling centre near you
- Space Cooling Strategies - Strategies for cooling individual suites, common areas, and entire buildings
Equipment and Supplies Inventory
Create an inventory of portable air conditioners, fans, and other supplies before the summer to ensure they are available when needed. Ensure equipment is in good working order.
Resources:
- Air Conditioner Sizing Worksheet - Size short-term portable air conditioners for single rooms up to 2,500ft2
- Air Purifier Sizing Worksheet - Size short-term portable air purifiers for common rooms
- Cool Kit How-To Guide - Sheet with practicaltips andtools to help keep cool
Sourcing Equipment
If you are a non-profit housing provider in B.C. in need of extreme heat and wildfire smoke related equipment, please contact your NPPM/SHA to discuss funding support options. BC Housing will be maintaining extreme heat and wildfire smoke supplies in cases of emergency and supply shortages, we encourage our partners try to source equipment directly locally. If you are unable to source equipment directly, please email [email protected] with your request
Informing Tenants and Site Staff of Risks
Housing providers should ensure proactive and effective communication with tenants/clients and building staff about:
- the risks of extreme heat and poor air quality
- the signs and symptoms of related illnesses
- how to stay safe
Identify the most effective ways to share information with tenants/clients and have a plan in place.
Resources:
- Planning and Communicating with Tenants
- Tips to Beat the Heat Poster-For display in common areas of your building
Activities Checklists
A checklist may help you complete necessary steps during either an extreme heat event or during ‘typical’ summer temperatures.
Resources:
Evaluation
Once an extreme heat warning has been lifted, take time to evaluate what went well and what could be improved for future events.
It is best to do this soon after the event, while the experience is easy to remember.
- Consider a tenant/client survey, if appropriate.
- Areas to review include:
- Resources and supplies
- Communication flow
- Roles and responsibilities
- Health outcomes for tenants/clients