Safety measures in place as heat warning declared for Okanagan – Okanagan | 24CA News
At Centennial Food Solutions in Kelowna, B.C., staff have a simple technique to beat the present warmth.
“It is no question the coolest job in town,” mentioned department supervisor Glenn Gartner.
The staff get to spend spend a number of their work day in a freezer storage the place the temperature is about at -18 C.
“They work in here eight hours a day. They get their coffee break and lunch breaks but they spend the majority of their working day in here,” Gartner mentioned.
The cool situations might sound good amid a warmth warning now in impact for the Okanagan, which was issued by the province on Thursday.
“So the warning is anytime that temperatures are forecasted to be 35 degrees for two consecutive days without falling below 18 degrees overnight,” mentioned Lance Kayfish, danger supervisor with the City of Kelowna.
The new warning system was developed after the lethal warmth dome of 2021, which claimed about 600 lives throughout B.C.
“The heat dome and 2021 was really an eye-opener I think for the whole community and province,” Kayfish mentioned.
“Frankly, I think it’s a bit of a wake-up call about climate change and the things that we need to be thinking about going forward.”
According to WorkSafe BC, staff most in danger for warmth stress embody these engaged on farms, eating places and kitchens, factories and development websites.
“It’s pretty tough. We’re starting a little early…and then we’re packing up early. So we, you know, get a good half, three-quarter day in and then go hide.” mentioned Cory Legu with West valley Construction.
Interior Health is reminding the general public to take precautions akin to utilizing followers and air con to remain cool, looking for shelter in locations like malls and libraries if there isn’t a AC at dwelling, closing curtains and blinds to maintain the warmth out and checking on individuals who could also be at excessive danger for heat-related sicknesses.
Those in danger embody Kelowna’s unhoused inhabitants.
The Gospel Mission’s govt director, Carmen Rempel, informed Global News the group has launched its Operation Heatwave initiative that triples outreach providers.
It means additional help and extra checks on folks sheltering outdoors through the sweltering warmth.
The metropolis has additionally activated a misting station on the Queensway bus loop downtown to maintain folks secure.
“The misting station is really for anyone that’s in the area but certainly, you know, we do appreciate that some of our unsheltered population, they might not have a place to go otherwise,” Kayfish mentioned.
Temperatures are anticipated to drop to the excessive 20s by early subsequent week.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
