B.C. announces funding to help prepare for extreme temperatures

The B.C. government is helping communities prepare for extreme temperatures.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a new initiative that will give financial grants to help communities handle temperature changes.

This preparation includes mapping areas of extreme heat risk and extreme heat response plans.

“Given the ongoing effects of climate change in B.C. and around the world, we need to ensure that we’re prepared to respond to extreme heat events now and in the future,” said Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth.

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From hot summers to freezing winters, the danger of extreme weather affects communities across the province, especially the most vulnerable. The province has seen its fair share of these events in recent years, from last year’s deadly heat dome to the catastrophic atmospheric river that triggered major flooding.

The B.C. government is dedicating almost $1.9 million to 36 communities, including First Nations and local governments, throughout the province.

“My hope and expectation is that our awareness of the actual risk changes which then allows us to respond in a much more focused way,” said Emily Dicken, the director of North Shore Emergency Management.

The funding comes after other changes brought in throughout the year, including the BC Heat Alert and Response System.