Smoke invaded our homes during 2018 wildfires. Regrettably, 2019 wildfires showed up early yet forecast to stay.
B.C. premier Horgan recently said that “we had the first fires of the year back in April which is well beyond what’s a normal fire season.” Municipal reeve in Saskatchewan in April advised that “It’s viciously dry.” During writing this article, we see news about “Out of Control Wildfire Burning North West of Manning [NW Alberta].” It seems everywhere we turn, wildfires and smoke are early and in force. Somewhat related and concerning, last March, the air quality health index for
Calgary reached 7 on a 10 scale, or high risk – that’s before we even heard concerns of 2019 fires.
STAY INFORMED: How can you stay aware of that’s going on in your community?
- Regularly check public service notices on local media (e.g. T.V., radio, online). Listen to public service notices.
- Older adults and people with heart/ lung issues are more likely to get sick from smoke. Check those that live alone.
- When you keep doors and windows closed to keep smoke out, your house might get very warm. Watch for signs of heat- related illness like heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Turn on your air-conditioner, ventilation or furnace fan.
- Know safe places to go in your community if asked to shelter-in-place like community centres and shopping malls.
- If you’re in the wildfire area, be ready to evacuate.
HEALTH CONCERNS:
What if you have asthma or a heart or lung or COPD concerns?
- Carefully monitor your health. Take your regular medicines as prescribed. Have a week’s supply of meds on hand.
- If you plan to use a portable air cleaners, buy one that is right for the room size (as per manufacturer instructions); do this before a smoke emergency happens. Do not use units that might produce ozone.
- If you have any health concerns, talk to your nurse or doctor or call Health Link at 811 (24 hrs/day, 7 days/week).
BETTER HOME COMFORT:
How can you improve your environment to increase your family’s comfort and safety?
- Install a high efficiency whole home filtration system that removes wood fire smoke.
- Install a whole home air conditioning system or at a minimum improve your ventilation system.
- Repair and seal your home’s vascular system (ducts) to reduce smoke and particulates invasion.
By Carla Berezowski
with parts adapted from myhealth.alberta.ca
