FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George has updated its Extreme Weather Response Plan and related temperature thresholds to open warming spaces and share emergency resources.
At the December 1 Council meeting, Council received a report outlining the changes, which includes:
- Cold weather notification threshold at temperatures 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 activation (level one) threshold at temperatures 0° or colder for two or more consecutive days and overnight temperatures -5° 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.
The extreme cold emergency (level two) threshold remains the same and is initiated when extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment Canada and/or Emergency Management & Climate Readiness. This happens when temperatures or windchills -15° or colder for two or more consecutive days and the forecast indicates that daily highs will substantially decrease day-over-day for three or more consecutive days. At this threshold, EOC considers activation of warming spaces outside of the downtown core.
“During extreme weather events, the emergency programs team collaborates with community outreach agencies like seniors centres and downtown service providers to reduce the risks and impacts to vulnerable populations,” said emergency programs manager, Tanya Spooner, “the updated thresholds better align the City with BC Health Effects of Anomalous Temperatures Coordinating Committee (BC HEAT) recommendations and aim to ensure that people in our community are protected from cold weather-related illnesses and injuries.”
Previous temperature thresholds meant that there were numerous activation and deactivation cycles in a typical winter season. The updated criteria will make it easier for City staff and local service providers to administer the extreme weather response program, provide available warming spaces sooner, and keep people in the community safe.
Information about warming shelter activations, locations, and hours of operation are always published on the City’s website and shared on social media.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca