Despite the heat warning, Prince George Fire Rescue has not seen an increase in calls in the city related to fire or medical incidents.
However, Fire Chief John Iverson said he’s concerned if the high temperatures persist.
The city has already broken daily heat records this week and is on trend to break more in the coming days making sun and heat safety tips even more important.
Dr. Rakel Kling, Medical Health Officer with Northern Health said it’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
“These are symptoms of nausea or vomiting, feeling faint, or dizzy, confused pale, cold and clammy skin,” said Dr. Kling.
“These are signs or symptoms where it's really important that you seek shade or seek somewhere cool. Make sure to have lots of water and rehydrate and if these symptoms do continue to persist it's really important to make sure to seek care.”
To avoid the risk of a heat illness, Dr. Kling said try to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day and avoid doing any strenuous activities outside on these hot days.
“Other things you can do include seeking a cool place to go to. I know we have lots of different types of spaces available on our northern communities,” said Dr. Kling.
In Prince George cooling centres are open at a few different locations downtown.
A hydration station is open at the House of Ancestors Conference Centre to offer people cup of water and a break from the heat.
The Prince George Public Library branches are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, allowing anyone to enjoy the air conditioning and books.
The Pounds Project Drop-In Centre continues to be open as a cooling centre from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Positive Living North: No khēyoh t'sih'en t'sehena Society is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for people to stay cool.
Dr. Kling also suggested visiting air-conditioned malls or stores to get a quick break from the heat.
However, a number of downtown businesses without air conditioning are temporarily closing to keep their customers and employees safe from the heat.
“Try to go to a space like that for a while to cool down and just recover for a little bit if you're getting really hot but I believe the most important thing to do to prevent to any heat-related illness is to drink a lot of water and to stay hydrated.”
For those trying to remain cool in a home without air conditioning, Dr. Kling said the best thing to do is to keep yourself hydrated and then to keep the blinds and windows closed to which helps to block the heat of the sun.
“Having a cold bath or a cold shower, using ice packs or putting a cold cloth around your neck - There are lots of ways you can try to keep cool in the house. It just takes a bit of creativity to try to stay cool in this weather.”
Dr. Kling noted that the elderly and anybody with chronic illnesses are likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses quicker than others.
"Make sure not to leave any pets, children or family, members in a car in these temperatures,” added Dr. Kling. “Even with the windows open, it's still too hot to be leaving anyone in a car at these temperatures. So it's important to either leave them at home or bring them with you if you're getting out of your car.”
To find more information on how to beat the heat visit Health Link BC.
