Take steps to minimize the health impact of wildfire smoke
- Be aware of Air Quality in your area – Check the Air Quality Health Index to find out current air quality observations and forecasted conditions for your area at Manitoba – Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) – Environment Canada or at Manitoba Air Quality Index (AQI) and Canada Air Pollution | IQAir
- Limit time outdoors – when air quality is low or hazardous in your area, reduce the time you spend outside. This means limiting / rescheduling outdoor sports activities, pushing yard work to a clearer day, and take more breaks in between outdoor activities
- Be aware of the symptoms of smoke inhalation – these can include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More moderate to severe symptoms can include shortness of breath, irritated / red eyes, and mild to severe nausea, to name a few
- Use a mask when capable – N95’s are effective against Wildfire smoke. They will not filter the smell of smoke, but will filter the particulates in the air present with wildfire smoke
- Hydrate – hydrating often can help prevent or deal with the minor symptoms associated with smoke inhalation
- Those at higher risk – People at higher risk of impact from outdoor smoke inhalation include those aged 65 or older, infants and young children, pregnant women, those with preexisting illnesses and conditions such as asthma, and people who work outdoors
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible – this includes both at work and at home. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible & change your furnace / air filters if necessary. Report to your manager / supervisor early if you believe that smoke has entered your workplace
- Vehicles – When driving through smoky areas, set your AC to recirculate the air throughout the vehicle
- Mental Wellness – Going through emergencies like these effects everyone differently. Check in on your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, both for their benefit and yours
- Seek help – get medical assistance early if you believe you have been impacted by poor air quality