With climate change leading to more frequent and more extreme climate events, predicting the next disaster and planning for it is essential. In many areas of the country, that means using data to anticipate extreme heat events, and give communities time to prepare.<\/p>\n
Dr. Ryan Reynolds<\/a> is the researcher behind Resilience Mapping Canada<\/a>. Reynolds uses data and other tools to help communities prepare for climate events, extreme heat, flooding, and more. In determining who is most vulnerable in extreme heat, Reynolds says:<\/p>\n This includes the elderly (in B.C. we decided that was about 60 plus) that were most vulnerable… Another one is adults who live alone. They’re not necessarily being checked in on on a regular basis, so if they are having problems they might not be able to get assistance with that particular issue… Small children, particularly if they’re accidentally left in vehicles… Health factors: there are particular health and mental health conditions that are exacerbated by extreme heat.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n