With the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, scientists are calling on Canadian health professionals to take a proactive role in preparing their patients for the associated risks. Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the availability of low-cost and effective strategies to reduce harm during climate-related disasters. Among these measures are simple steps like clearing gutters and storm drains, installing backwater valves, and utilizing heat-resistant curtains and fans during heat waves.
Feltmate highlighted the importance of sharing comprehensive resources developed by his center with patients. These infographics provide tailored guidance for preparing homes against flooding, managing extreme heat in apartments or condos, and protecting properties in wildfire-prone areas. Many recommendations come at little or no cost, such as removing plants and mulch from the immediate vicinity of homes in wildfire risk areas, checking for plumbing leaks, and using heat-resistant curtains and fans to cool homes during heat waves.
More costly upgrades include installing sump pumps, adding non-combustible screens to external vents, and replacing wooden fencing near houses with wire or metal fencing. Feltmate emphasized that these fire safety precautions can reduce the probability of a house being destroyed by a wildfire by 50 to 75 percent.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, stressed the need for public health professionals to prioritize climate change due to its wide-ranging impact on both physical and mental health, including infectious diseases, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, heat strokes, dehydration, and mental health concerns.
As climate change is an ongoing reality, Feltmate emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect people and their homes from its impacts. Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, he acknowledged that climate change will continue to worsen and require adaptation and preparedness.
The heightened risk of wildfires this year, following last year’s record-breaking season, underscores the urgency of addressing climate change. A federal briefing document warns of ripe conditions for an early and above-normal fire risk from Quebec to British Columbia in April and May, due to a warmer than normal winter with minimal snow and widespread drought, particularly in the Prairies.
