Stay safe in the heat as the weather warms up

Burnaby

2023-05-12 10:12 PDT

As Metro Vancouver receives its first blast of summer-like weather heading into the weekend, Burnaby RCMP would like to urge the public to take extra precautions to stay safe in the heat.

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement, due to higher than normal temperatures in the forecast for the Lower Mainland starting Friday, May 12, 2023.

While warm weather can be enjoyable, it can also be hazardous to human health. Burnaby RCMP and partners will continue to monitor for weather-related risks, and Burnaby RCMP may activate its Extreme Heat Response Plan, which includes enhanced patrols, if required.

To stay safe in the heat, Fraser Health suggests staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during the day, and self-monitoring for signs of heat-related illness.

Burnaby RCMP would also like to remind people to take the following precautions during hot weather:

Secure the windows in your home

As the weather warms up, household windows tend to be open more often. Burnaby RCMP would like to remind parents and anyone with young children in their lives to keep their windows secure and safe. The thought of a child falling out of a window is terrifying, but it happens, so take all measures to prevent this from happening.

Some tips on keeping your home more secure for young children:

• Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk.
• Toddlers may use anything as a step stool to get higher.
• Window screens will not prevent children from falling through.
• Install window guards on windows above the ground level.
• Don’t leave children unattended on balconies or decks.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home.

For more tips, follow the Fraser Health-Window Safety for Children

Do not leave children or pets in your vehicle

It is never safe to leave your child unattended in your vehicle, but when the temperature rises, it is even more dangerous.

When it’s warm or hot outside, it’s even hotter inside your vehicle. Leave your pet at home.

Even a couple of minutes is too long to leave a pet or child in your vehicle.

For more tips, follow the SPCA - Pet Safety Tips

Limit the opportunities for thieves by keeping your home secure

Burnaby RCMP is asking residents to limit opportunities for thieves looking to take advantage of an open door, window or garage in your home.

If you’re spending time outside of your home to enjoy the sunny weather, please ensure that doors are closed behind you and that accessible windows are secure. Even if you’re just spending time in your garden, it may take a thief only moments to enter your home and leave with a laptop, phone, wallet or other valuables.

Thieves are may also look for crimes of opportunity, like an open garage door. If there are valuables stored in your garage, thieves might not bother going any further.

Follow the advice below to prevent becoming a victim:

• If your electric door opener is over 20 years old, you may want to consider upgrading your system.
• Take your remote with you, or if you must leave it in your vehicle, hide it.
• If you’re going away, disconnect the garage door motor from the electrical outlet.
• If you have windows in your garage door, consider covering them so thieves can’t see your valuables
• Always keep the door that leads from your garage into your home locked.
• Ensure you have a record of items in your garage along with serial numbers.

Released by:

Email: burnaby_rcmp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: burnaby.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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