Salvation Army hands out water, offers shelter space to help most vulnerable during hot weather

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A Lower Mainland community group is stepping up this weekend to ensure the most vulnerable don’t fall victim to the heat.

Areas of the Lower Mainland expect to see temperatures in the mid-30s Sunday during one of the hottest weekends this summer.

Mark Stewart, executive director of the Ridge Meadows Salvation Army, says it’s opening its doors to anyone who feels they need to get indoors to avoid heat-stroke.

“We’re letting anybody into our building, into an airconditioned area. They can have a shower if they want. We can provide them with fresh clothing if they need clothing.”

Salvation Army is offering airconditioned shelter spaces across the province.

RELATED: Heat warning for Metro Vancouver as weekend could be hottest this summer

Stewart says staff are also heading out on the street to make sure people are doing alright in the hot weather.

Watch: Heat warning issued

“We’re handing out water to people in our community. It is definitely homeless people, but also elderly people walking around. We’re just handing out water and asking people how they’re feeling,” Stewart says.

He adds they have been driving around to check on people and offering rides back to the shelter for those who need it.

Stewart says their staffers have also been given a tutorial on how to detect possible signs of heat-stroke.

He says they will be back on the street Sunday.

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