Stay Safe This Summer: Free Cool Kits for Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is not just a natural disaster—it’s an equity issue. Some people are more affected than others due to factors like age, health, housing conditions, and access to cooling. Those without access to cool indoor spaces, who live alone, or who face financial, or mobility barriers are at greater risk.

We’re working with the City of Vancouver and local partners to raise awareness and help neighbours stay informed and prepared for extreme weather in our community.

When the weather gets hot, both indoor and outdoor temperatures can become unsafe. Indoor temperatures above 26°C can be dangerous for some higher-risk populations, and 31°C or higher indoors can be dangerous to most people. Spending time in cool, air-conditioned spaces and drinking plenty of water is the best way to prevent heat-related illness.

This year we’re distributing Cool Kits to neighbours most affected by extreme heat to help them stay cool, and recognize unsafe indoor temperatures. Please stop by our reception to desk claim your free cool kit, while supplies last.

Cool Kits include:
-Indoor Thermometer—Used to monitor indoor temperatures and identify when conditions are dangerously hot. 
-Plastic Tote for Foot Bath—A plastic tote that can be filled with cool water for a foot bath or sponge bath to help lower body temperature. 
-Cooling Towel—Can be soaked in water and used to cool the body. 
-Spray Bottle—Filled with cool water to mist the skin and help cool down. 
-Cold Packs—Can be chilled or frozen and applied to the body to reduce heat. 
-Reusable Watter Bottle—Used to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 
The kits also include a user guide (available in multiple languages) to explain how to use the items effectively.

By looking out for one another, we can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness and make sure everyone in our neighbourhood feels supported and safe during extreme heat.

📍Pick-up at Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton Street, Vancouver.
📅 Available Monday to Friday during operating hours — feel free to call or email ahead if you’re unsure.
Kits are available first come, first served.We request your contact details when picking up a kit, to share heat related resources.
If you face accessibility barriers getting a kit, please reach out — we’re here to help.

Who is most affected by hot weather?

• Older adults, aged 50 years or older
• People who live alone or are socially isolated
• People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease
• People with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety
• People who use certain drugs, including alcohol
• People with limited mobility, spinal cord injuries, or other disabilities
• People who are experiencing homelessness or marginal housing
• Residents of buildings without adequate cooling
• Workers in hot environments
• People who are pregnant
• Infants and young children

Resources and tips for hot weather safety for you to use and share:

• The most up-to-date information can be found on vancouver.ca/hotweather or the City’s social media channels
• Cooling Centres and some other City supports are not activated until heat warning thresholds are met, but misting stations and additional drinking fountains are operational 24/7. The West End Community Centre and the Joe Fortes Library have air-conditioned spaces that are open regular hours for people to cool down during the summer.
• For signs of heat-related illness, visit Health Link BC’s page on heat-related illness.
• Perform wellness checks on days with high temperatures and the days after: Heat-check-in-support-framework.pdf.
• Download the Alertable app to receive alerts during extreme heat emergencies with information on City of Vancouver services and resources.