Langley City has posted helpful information online for residents on not only how to keep cool during hot days but also on what symptoms to watch for and how to prevent overheating.
The City has several spray parks.
• City Park, 20605 48 Ave.
• Douglas Park, 5409 206 St.
• Nicholas Park, 5055 52 Ave.
There's also Al Anderson Memorial Pool, 4949 207 St.
Escape the heat at Timms Community Centre, 20399 Douglas Cres. It includes the City of Langley Library
People can enjoy shaded areas in one of the City’s many parks:
• Brydon Park, 198 Street and 53 Avenue., shaded areas, trees and benches, drinking fountains
• City Park, 20605 48 Ave., shade areas, trees, covered picnic shelters, spray park
• Conder Park, 19850 50 Ave., shaded picnic tables and benches
• Douglas Park, 5409 206 St., shaded areas, trees and picnic tables, spray park, drinking fountains
• Hunter Park, 48A Avenue and 200 Street, shaded benches
• Iris Mooney Park, 4640 209A Ave., shaded areas and trees
• Nicholas Park, 5055 52 Ave. shaded areas/trees, spray park, drinking fountains
• Nicomekl Trail, shaded areas, trees, canopied areas with benches throughout
• Penzer Park, 4748 198C St., drinking fountains
• Portage Park, 4964 204 St., shade trees and benches and covered picnic area
• Rotary Park, 20869 Fraser Hwy., shaded areas and trees
• Sendall Gardens, 20210 50 Ave., shaded trees, benches and picnic table
• Uplands Dog Off-Leash Park, 4441 206 St., shaded trees, drinking fountains
Opening dates of City facilities and sites as well as hours of operation vary by location. People are advised to call ahead for more information.
Nearby Metro Vancouver Regional Parks:
• Aldergrove Regional Park
• Brae Island Regional Park
• Campbell Valley Regional Park
• Derby Reach Regional Park
• Glen Valley Regional Park, Two-bit Bar
When a Heat Warning Is Issued By Environment Canada
• Be mindful of your sun exposure; temperatures and UV index are the highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• If you are not planning to be outdoors, seek cooler, shaded areas such as large parks near water with many trees.
• Don't push yourself too hard. Rest and relax often if you feel tired.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body temperature from rising.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing to protect from the sun.
• Stock up on sun/heat safety items such as sunscreen (30+ SPF), water bottles, sunglasses, sun hats, umbrellas, wading pools, spritz bottles, hand-held fans, and other items to help you cool down.
• Cook food in a microwave or outdoor barbeque to avoid adding extra heat to your home. Avoid appliances that add heat to your home like stoves, ovens, dishwashers, and dryers. Even smaller items such as laptops and toasters can contribute to rising temperatures.
• Some medications may increase sun sensitivity and the risk of burns. Always check your medication's information sheet before spending too much time outside.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked vehicles. Temperatures can rise to 52°C within 20 minutes in an enclosed vehicle when the outside temperature is 34°C. Leaving the car windows slightly open or “cracked” will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
If you see a child in a hot car under conditions that may pose reasonable concern, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you see an animal in the same situation, call the Langley Animal Protection Society at 604-857-5055 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For after-hours, call the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-532-3200.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Exposure to high temperatures and/or humidity can cause heat-related illnesses.
Anyone experiencing heat exhaustion (i.e. skin rash, excessive sweating, extreme thirst, headache) should move to a cool place and drink water. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of heat stroke (i.e. high body temperature, fainting, confusion, lack of coordination), seek immediate medical attention and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Check in with friends, family, and neighbours, particularly those who are elderly, socially isolated, have pre-existing conditions, or have mobility challenges, as they may be less prepared for the heat, and are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses or even death.
On the homefront
High temperatures in your home pose the greatest risk during extreme heat. Use the following tips to mitigate your risk of heat-related illnesses:
• Close your blinds/curtains to block the sun during the day and open your blinds/curtains at night to let the heat escape and allow cooler air into the room. Light-coloured curtains can reflect the sun while dark curtains will hold onto the heat. Those with south- or west-facing windows can use sun reflectors to deflect sunlight.
• Take a cool shower or mist yourself and your clothing with cool water to help prevent yourself from overheating.
• If you have air conditioning, use it to make the indoor heat bearable but do not over-cool yourself.
• Stay in the coolest room in your home and use a fan. Heat rises, so the ground floor or basement will usually be the cooler spot in a home.
• Keep cool, drinkable water in the fridge and ice in the freezer for drinking or as an ice pack.
• Place a fan across the pan of ice water to create a cool breeze.
• If it's too hot indoors, spend time outside during the day and/or night. Visit indoor public spaces such as recreation centres, malls, movie theatres, coffee shops, restaurants, and more to escape the heat.
• Consider using a small thermometer to monitor the indoor temperature, watch for any temperature changes, and act accordingly.