The Ministry of Health is seeking feedback from local governments on the BC Heat Alert and Response System, in an effort to improve extreme heat planning and response initiatives. To participate in the survey, please contact Ministry staff for a unique survey login. The survey will be open from April 10-28.
Over the past several years, British Columbia has experienced rising summer temperatures. In 2021, the record-breaking heat dome had severe impacts on the health and safety of communities across the province.
In response to the 2021 heat dome, the Ministry of Health Emergency Management Unit, the BC Centre for Disease Control, and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness developed several extreme heat preparedness resources and response plans. These resources included:
- PreparedBC Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide (designed for communities and families)
- Extreme Heat: Preparedness for Provincial Ministries and Agencies
- BC Provincial Heat Alert and Response System (HARS) (designed for all levels of government, Indigenous communities, local authorities and agencies)
These guidelines and resources were prepared to ensure a provincial system was in place for summer 2022. The Province of British Columbia is now focusing on gathering feedback on these resources to refine provincial extreme heat planning and response initiatives.