Preparing for Heat: A Practical Guide for Seniors, Families, and Neighbours

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

Hot weather can arrive quickly and often without much time to adjust, and many people are not fully acclimatized to sudden heat waves in BC. That rapid change is what often catches people off guard.

The good news is that heat-related health impacts are largely preventable with a bit of planning, awareness, and community support. Heat doesn’t affect everyone the same way, and some people may become unwell more quickly even in temperatures that seem manageable. As we age, the body may not regulate temperature as efficiently, and certain medications, health conditions, and mobility challenges can increase risk.

Local resources such as Fraser Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority provide printable posters, practical heat safety tips, and up-to-date information on local cooling spaces and cooling centre locations that can be shared with neighbours, in lobbies, church halls, and community spaces.

One of the most effective and often overlooked ways to stay safe is a simple neighbourhood buddy system, where neighbours check in on each other, notice small changes like unopened blinds or uncollected mail, or make quick phone calls to those living alone. These small check-ins can make a significant difference because not everyone will ask for help even when they need it. Older adults living on their own, people with limited mobility, no access to air conditioning, or medications that affect hydration are especially at risk and may need extra support.

Preparation before heat arrives is key. Setting up a cool room with closed blinds and fans, stocking extra water and easy-to-prepare foods, ensuring cooling devices are working, and making a plan for check-ins can all help reduce stress when temperatures rise quickly. It is also helpful to know in advance where nearby cooling centres, libraries, shopping centres, and other air-conditioned public spaces are located so you can move to cooler environments if needed during extreme heat.

If you know an older adult who prefers receiving information in print rather than online, consider printing and sharing the letter-size information sheets provided by the health authorities so they have easy access to the guidance when they need it. Heat related illness is mostly preventable, and the simplest actions including staying cool, staying hydrated, and checking in on one another are often the most powerful.