Be prepared for summer heat at SFU
What to know
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a hotter than average summer in B.C. including a higher risk of extreme heat events, also known as heat waves. When temperatures rise, your health and safety remain SFU’s top priority.
Extreme heat can affect anyone
Whether you’re studying, working, or living at SFU, be prepared, check in on friends and colleagues, and make use of the resources available on campus to help keep our community safe and comfortable during periods of extreme heat.
Protect your health during extreme heat
- Stay hydrated and locate “drinking water” on your SFU Snap app
- Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak sun hours (midday to late afternoon)
- Wear light, breathable clothing
- Use blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight and help keep indoor spaces cooler
- Visit SFU’s Extreme Weather page for more tips and campus resources
Be aware of signs of heat illness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty cooling down
Learn more in SFU’s Heat Stress Prevention Guidelines
What happens during an extreme heat event
During an extreme heat event, Environment Canada issues a heat warning when forecasts show conditions that could pose a risk to health, based on regional data on:
- High daytime temperatures
- Warm overnight temperatures (little relief)
- Duration (usually 2+ days of sustained heat)
- Humidity (Humidex), if relevant
B.C. uses a three-colour coded system to classify heat risks.
Find cooler spaces on campus
Many SFU buildings across Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby campuses have cooling systems and can offer relief during hot weather.
Visit the Extreme Weather page for a list of cool spaces available at each campus.
Stay connected and informed
SFU monitors Environment Canada updates and shares timely information through SFU Alerts to help keep the campus community informed during extreme heat. In addition, you can stay up-to-date by:
- Downloading the SFU Safe app and enabling push notifications to receive important campus alerts during extreme weather events.
- Visit SFU.ca and follow @SFU on X, Instagram for campus-related impacts due to weather
If you are feeling unwell due to heat, contact Campus Public Safety (available 24/7) at 778.782.4500 for urgent or first aid response. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Frequently asked questions
Finding cool spaces
- Where can I find air-conditioned (cool) spaces on campus?
Visit SFU’s Extreme Weather page for a list of buildings and spaces with cooling systems across campus. - Are cool spaces on campus accessible?
Many cool spaces are located in accessible buildings. To help plan your route, refer to SFU’s campus maps and accessible routes. - Are there misting stations on campus?
There are currently no public misting stations on SFU campuses. Stage 3 water restrictions limit non-essential water use across the region. - Where can I cool down on campus without using extra water?
Indoor, air-conditioned spaces are the best option during extreme heat. At Burnaby campus, access showers at the Lorne Davies Complex (LDC) if you need to cool down.
Health and safety
- What should I do if I’m not feeling well due to heat?
For urgent concerns affecting health or safety, contact Campus Public Safety at 778.782.4500. - What should I do if cooling is not working in a space?
If cooling systems are not working as expected, contact the location’s departmental administrative manager to submit a service request through Facilities Services. - What if I'm working on campus during extreme heat?
Find more tips on working on campus during extreme heat here. - When does a campus closure happen?
In the event that severe weather affects operations at SFU campuses these guidelines are in place. During severe weather, the University will rely on reports from Environment Canada, TransLink and observed conditions at each campus to determine if it is safe for the normal operation of university services. Decisions related to class cancellations and campus closures are made by the SFU President as per GP 04 Unscheduled Cancellations of Classes.
Residence support
- I live in residence; what supports are available to me?
As a member of SFU’s Residence and Housing community, your experience, including your comfort in your unit, matters to us. Residence and Housing has supports in place to help you during periods of extreme heat. Check out Residence and Housing channels for information specific to living in residence.
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