During heat waves and extreme cold events, the City of Prince George emergency programs team collaborates with community outreach agencies to reduce the risks and impacts to vulnerable populations.
The City’s emergency programs division distributes Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness (EMCR) funding to ensure service providers can operate with extended hours as warming or cooling centres and provide food, water, and other supplies. These agencies have outreach staff and/or volunteers to ensure that people are safe and aware of available services. City staff also coordinate with agencies to ensure the EmergencyInfoBC map is up to date. The map highlights available emergency warming/cooling centres and other important emergency information. The City’s outreach and downtown bylaw patrols also increase to ensure vulnerable people are safe and able to access the services they need.
Ahead of forecasted weather events, the City increases emergency preparedness messaging on social media, on its website, in the news, and at civic facilities. During severe weather events, the City shares important safety information including where to find emergency cooling/warming centres and overnight/drop-in shelters through BC Housing.
In some cases, the City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Emergency Reception Centres might be activated. That means more resources are allocated from the province to help minimize the risks to local residents.
What are the alert levels for severe weather?
Different alert levels require different responses. Certain temperature thresholds must be met to constitute specific alert levels.
Extreme heat
- Heat Notification
- Temperature is 24°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days.
- Heat Warning (level 1)
- Temperature is 29°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days AND overnight temperature is 14°C or warmer.
- Heat Warning issued by Environment Canada, and/or B.C. Heat Alert and Response System (HARS).
- Extreme Heat Emergency (level 2)
- Temperature is 29°C or warmer for two or more consecutive days AND overnight temperature is 14°C or warmer AND forecast indicates that daily highs will increase day-over-day for three or more consecutive days.
Extreme cold
Note that the temperature thresholds have been updated as of December 2025. The updated Extreme Weather Response Plan was presented to Council on December 1, 2025.
- Cold Weather Notification
- Temperature is 0° or colder for a period of two or more consecutive weeks. At this threshold, communication regarding winter safety and information about community services are shared. This changed from -10° or colder for a period of two or more consecutive 24-hour periods.
- Extreme Cold Warning (level 1)
- Temperature is 0°C or colder for two or more consecutive days AND overnight temperature -5°C or colder.
- At this threshold, the emergency operations centre (EOC) liaises with service providers and works to open warming spaces based on operators’ ability to provide service. This includes seeking provincial funding to support activation. This changed from forecasted temperatures -10° or colder for two or more consecutive days and overnight temperatures at -15° or colder.
- Extreme Cold Emergency (level 2)
- Temperature is -15°C or colder for two or more consecutive 24-hour periods AND forecast indicates that daily highs will decrease day-over-day for three or more consecutive days.
- Extreme Cold Warning issued by Environment Canada, and/or EMCR.
Visit the PreparedBC website for more details on how to prepare yourself and your home for severe weather events.