Emergency

Resource

Local weather, shelter, and emergency information

December 19 2024

Sign directing to a cooling centre

This page offers essential information for weather-related emergencies, helping you stay safe when conditions become severe. Explore local shelter options and learn where to access official weather and emergency updates. Prepare yourself with the knowledge and resources to handle the challenges of extreme weather events.

Weather and emergency information

    • Public weather alerts for British Columbia

      Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather alerts website including heat and air quality.

      Visit the website

    • Smartphone: WeatherCAN App

      Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather alerting app for smart phones with heat and air quality alerts.

      Visit the website

    • Telephone: Hello Weather

      Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather forecasts and alerts over the telephone.

      Visit the website

    • Email: EC Alert Me

      Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather alerts sent to your email inbox.

      Visit the website

    • AQMap outdoor air quality sensor map

      Map of public outdoor air quality sensors. This map may provide more accurate local air quality information for rural/remote communities in British Columbia that are far away from government regulatory air quality sensors.

      Visit the website

    • BC Air Quality Health Index map

      Map of government regulatory air quality sensors and guidance. This map provides good coverage of most urban areas in British Columbia but may not provide accurate local air quality information for rural/ remote communities.

      Visit the website

    • Metro Vancouver AirMap

      Map of local air quality in the Metro Vancouver region and information on air quality advisories.

      Visit the website

    • Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

      Recommended actions to protect your health from wildfire smoke based on your current local air quality. Check the chart regularly because air quality can change quickly over time and space.

      Visit the website

    • EmergencyInfoBC

      Find current and official information during emergencies in B.C.

      Visit the website

    • Local governments

      Follow your local government’s website or social media for updates.

      Visit the website

    • First Nations

      Follow your First Nation’s website or social media for updates.

      Visit the website

    • Regional health authorities

      Follow the local health authority’s website and social media platforms for up-to-date emergency and health information.

      Visit the website

    • DriveBC

      Know before you go. Plan your trip before leaving to make sure driving conditions are safe.

      Visit the website

Extreme heat shelters

During a heat warning (level 1 alert) or extreme heat emergency (level 2 alert), high indoor temperatures can be life-threatening. It is important to spend as much time as possible in cool spaces. When outdoor temperatures are high, even workplaces and homes can be dangerously hot inside and increase the risk of heat-related illness. Several cities and towns in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region operate cooling centres or share other public spaces to cool down (like libraries and community centres with air conditioning). Misting and water fill stations, splash parks, and other cooling supports may also be provided during a heat event.


Extreme heat webpage
 

The table below includes websites for some of the spaces within the VCH region where people can spend time during heat waves. Available supports or shelters may change quickly, be activated during an event, or be shared offline so options beyond this list may become available. Seek information from your local government or First Nation’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information in your community. Please email us if you would like to provide updated information.

Wildfire smoke shelters

During an air quality advisory or alert, it is important to spend time in indoor spaces with filtered air. If your home does not have an air filtration system, you are not able to buy a portable air cleaner, or build a DIY box fan filter, try to spend time in community spaces with filtered air. Several cities and towns in the region operate dedicated cleaner air spaces during smoky periods or encourage people to use other public spaces with filtered air (like libraries and community centres). 


Wildfire smoke webpage
 

The table below includes websites for some of the spaces within the VCH region where people can spend time during  air quality advisories. Available supports or shelters may change quickly, be activated during an event, or be shared offline so options beyond this list may become available. Seek information from your local government or First Nation’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information in your community. Please email us if you would like to provide updated information.

Winter weather shelters

During winter weather events, some local governments, First Nations, and community organizations in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region operate shelters or encourage people to use other public spaces (like libraries and community centres) to safely warm up and avoid exposure to the cold. Some spaces are open overnight, and others are available during the day. More spaces may be available when risk increases due to cold, wind and/or precipitation.

The BCCDC provides public health recommendations to reduce the impacts of exposure to winter weather on people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia.


Extreme cold webpage
 

The table below includes websites for some of the spaces within the VCH region where people can spend time during winter weather events. Available supports or shelters may change quickly, be activated during an event, or be shared offline so options beyond this list may become available. Seek information from your local government or First Nation’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information in your community. Please email us if you would like to provide updated information. Always confirm with organizations directly if services or shelter spaces are currently available. 

Related articles

Extreme heat

Wildfire smoke

Winter weather