BC Hydro Air conditioner offer for apartments/condos
Interested in the recently announced Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) air conditioner offer? If you meet the income qualification for the program and live in an apartment or condo, please follow the link below:
BC Hydro will send you an email with instructions to apply once an updated application form is available. Please expect them to provide this in 1 to 2 weeks.
Note: Completion of this form is for the purposes of staying informed on the eligibility requirements and application instructions for this offer. Your participation in the offer is not guaranteed and you’ll still be required to apply and meet all eligibility requirements.
Extreme Heat Safety
Signs of heat exhaustion:
- Skin rash
- Heavy sweating
- Vomiting or feeling sick
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle cramps
- Extreme thirst
- Dark urine and urinating less
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
Anyone with these signs should move to a cool space, drink plenty of water, and cool the skin down with water to prevent heat stroke. You can also call 8-1-1 to speak to a nurse or call your local pharmacy if you have specific questions about your medication and excess water consumption.
Signs of heat stroke:
- Very high body temperature
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Very hot and red skin
Anyone with these symptoms, call 9-1-1
Submerge all or part of the body in cool water. Remove their clothes and cover them with wet towels.
What can I do to stay cool at home?
- While the outside reaches its hottest temperature at 5pm in Vancouver, indoor temperatures peak at 9pm. Open windows and doors in the evening when the outside temperature drops, and then close your windows, blinds, and curtains in the morning to trap in the cooler air and prevent heat from entering your home throughout the day.
- Optimize your body’s natural cooling mechanisms by staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider consuming chilled beverages or eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as they can lead to dehydration.
- Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen. Wet your clothes before wearing them as a quick and effective way to cool your body.
- Do not rely on fans alone to cool you, if the air in your space is warm it will only serve to move the hot air around. Create a DIY air conditioning effect by placing a bowl of ice or a cold compress in front of a fan. This helps cool the air blown by the fan and provides temporary, localized relief.
- Limit the use of heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, and dryers during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for cold meals, use outdoor grills, or cook using smaller appliances like microwaves or slow cookers.
- Seek refuge in the coolest areas of your home, such as basements or lower floors, where the temperature tends to be lower. If you have access to air conditioning, spend time in those rooms to cool down.
- Take advantage of cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Use a damp towel or take cold foot baths to cool down quickly.
- Use insulation or reflective materials to shield your home from direct sunlight. Place cardboard in your windows with aluminum foil facing outwards as an inexpensive way to reflect the sun’s rays away from your window.
- Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you need to exercise, choose cooler times such as early morning or evening hours when the temperature drops.
- Be familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remember that heat stroke is a 9-1-1 emergency so do not wait to call for paramedics if you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke.
Please check in on vulnerable neighbors and have your loved ones check in on you. Everyone loves a hot summer day, but remember to know your limits and take care of each other!
Where can I go to cool off if my house is too hot?
Cooling center map
Please note that Barclay Manor, Kay’s Place, and Clothes and Collectibles are not cooling centers