Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Update: 11:15 am.
The Shuswap Emergency Program is ready to help if you, or someone you know, needs assistance due to the heat wave. An emergency program telephone line is available for residents to reach us at 250-832-2424.
At this time, assistance is being delivered on an as-needed basis, depending on the specific situation.
The emergency program is continuing to reach out to vulnerable populations through its regular channels, including the Salvation Army, Neighbourhood Emergency Programs and other community groups to help meet their needs during this extreme heat.
Anyone who needs to get out of the heat can continue to use cooling centres:
- In Salmon Arm, at the Shaw Centre, 2600 10th Avenue NE from 8:30 to 4 pm. The Shaw Centre will also be open to the public on July 1, Canada Day, for the same hours.
- In Sicamous, at the District Council Chambers, 446 Main Street, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The cooling centre will be open to the public on July 1 for the same hours.
Original Post: June 29
In response to the heat wave, the Shuswap Emergency Program is working closely with agencies, including Interior Health and the Salvation Army, to support those in need during these extreme temperatures.
- The City of Salmon Arm has opened the Shaw Centre from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Monday to Friday to accommodate people who need to get out of the heat. People are welcome to walk or sit and relax.
- The District of Sicamous has opened up its council chambers, located at 446 Main Street as a cooling centre between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Water is available.
The Shuswap Emergency Program is also in close contact with the Salvation Army organization and other community partners to assist in supporting vulnerable people in the area. Currently, these organizations are reporting that people's needs are being met with customized solutions depending on the situation. Supports are also available on an as-needed basis to anyone with a specific need.
"As always, people in the Shuswap are proving to be extremely resourceful and are helping each other cope with these temperatures. Right now, we are able to deal with the needs on a case-by-case basis, but should the situation change, we are prepared to make other arrangements," says Derek Sutherland, Emergency Operations Centre Director.
If you, or anyone you know, is in need of assistance during this heat wave, please contact the Shuswap Emergency Program at 250-832-2424 for arrangements to be made.