Plan ahead for summer heat and climate emergencies
Wildfire season has begun across the province and in Canada and as we brace for another summer of potential climate emergencies, planning ahead can ease and assist people living with dementia through sudden changes in the environment.
Last updated: June 9, 2025.
As we brace for another summer of potential climate emergencies, we are calling on everyone to take proactive measures to support people living with dementia. Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate or even recognize when to ask for help. This leaves many people living with the disease vulnerable to the uncertainty and emotional trauma caused by heat and other emergency situations. Planning ahead can ease and assist people living with dementia through sudden changes in the environment.
Plan ahead for summer heat, wildfires and other emergencies
Emergency situations demand increased support for people living with dementia, most of them (61 per cent) living at home in the community in Canada. Studies have also shown that climate change (extreme heat, flooding, changes in infectious agents and wildfires) can exacerbate dementia symptoms.
When preparing for an emergency kit, keep it in a watertight container in an easily accessible location. Some of the suggested items include:
- Easy on/off clothes (a few sets) and Velcro shoes/sneakers.
- Supplies of medication (or a list of medications with dosages).
- An extra pair of glasses.
- Incontinence products.
- Extra identification items for the person, such as an ID bracelet and clothing tags.
- Copies of legal documents, such as a power of attorney.
- Copies of medical documents that indicate the individual’s condition and current medications.
On-demand webinar on building climate resilience
In recent years, B.C. has experienced a rapid increase in climate-related weather emergencies including heat domes, atmospheric rivers and wildfires. The frequency, duration and intensity of heatwaves have increased in the last 70 years and are predicted to continue to increase. Watch our webinar, “Heat domes and atmospheric rivers: Building climate resilience among people affected by dementia,” as Dr. Jennifer Baumbusch, professor and Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Sex and Gender Science at the University of British Columbia’s School of Nursing, shared some strategies that will help people living with dementia and their care partners navigate these challenging situations.
Click here to watch the webinar.
We are here to help
Our First Link® Dementia Helpline ensures that families and care workers can connect to knowledgeable and supportive staff and access trusted resources on emergency preparedness. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday:
- English: 1-800-936-6033 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- For Yukoners (English): 1-888-852-2579 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)