Protect yourself from wildfire smoke and extreme heat

Timmins, Ontario — With the ongoing Special Air Quality Statements and heat warnings being issued for our region due to smoke from wildfires and extreme heat, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.

“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke and extreme heat,” said Tanya Musgrave, Public Health Inspector, Environmental Health Coordinator.

Currently, the PHU recommends:  

• To reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke and extreme heat, limit the time you spend outdoors.
• Stop outdoor activities and seek medical attention if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness, or chest pains.
• Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke by keeping windows and doors closed when the temperature is comfortable and using a clean good quality air filter in your ventilation system.
• If possible, consider using a portable air purifier to remove smoke from your home and/or turning on your air conditioner.
• If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system.
• If necessary, take a break from exposure to smoke and heat by temporarily relocating or finding a community location with clean, cool air such as a library, shopping mall, or community centre.
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty, to decrease your risk of dehydration.
• If you are at high risk for complications or required to work or spend long periods of time outdoors, a respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can help reduce not eliminate, your exposure to the fine particles in smoke.
• Be aware of your mental health. If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice.

Be sure to check on family and friends, especially those who more susceptible to smoke and heat. The PHU will work with our local and provincial partners to monitor local air quality and extreme heat conditions. Communication will be shared through social media, the PHU website and local partners, as the situation changes.

Please visit the Porcupine Health Unit website or Environment Canada  for more information.