OTTAWA,
ON, July 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Emergencies caused
by severe weather are becoming more frequent and complex, both here
in Canada and around the world.
The wildfires situation in Jasper,
Alberta, shows how quickly these events can escalate and
their devasting impacts on individuals (both residents and
visitors to the area), infrastructure and communities. Many other
regions in Canada are also dealing
with above-normal temperatures. These extreme weather events not
only threaten the immediate health and safety of people in affected
areas, but can also cause significant indirect and longer-term
impacts on physical and mental health, including during and after
community evacuations.
During heavy smoke conditions as a result of wildfires, the
impacts can be felt even hundreds or thousands of kilometres away
from a fire zone. Everyone is at risk of health impacts from smoke,
regardless of their age or health, but some populations are at
greater risk. Those at greater risk include elders, people who work
or exercise strenuously outdoors, pregnant people, young children,
people with an existing or chronic health condition, and people
facing other health inequities. Indigenous communities in northern
and remote regions are also disproportionately affected, for some
this includes experiencing multiple wildfire events and/or
evacuations.
Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
The behaviour of wildfires can be difficult to predict,
including where smoke will spread or how much. However, there are
measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Use the WeatherCAN app, listen for local air quality statements
or check the information from local health authorities to stay
informed about air quality, including the Air Quality Health Index
(AQHI), in your area or an area where you may be travelling.
Consider minimizing your exposure by limiting outdoor activities
if the air quality is poor, especially if you are at higher risk
for smoke related health impacts. If the AQHI is seven or higher,
consider reducing the length or intensity of your outdoor
activities or to reschedule during better weather conditions. If
you must spend time outdoors, wearing a well-fitted NIOSH-certified
N95 or equivalent respirator (KN95 or KF94) mask to reduce
exposure to harmful fine particles from wildfire smoke.
If possible, protect the indoor air in your home by using a
clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system based on
the manufacturer's recommendations and/or using a certified
portable air cleaner fitted to the room size. It is important that
it can filter fine particles (e.g., HEPA filters).
Watch for common symptoms of smoke exposure, which include
irritation of throat, nose, and eyes, coughing, and headaches. Seek
immediate medical attention if you are experiencing dizziness,
chest pains, severe difficulty breathing or unexpected changes in
speech or mobility, because these could indicate a more serious
condition such as heart attack or stroke.
What to do in the case of extreme heat
Extreme heat poses a serious health risk. Heat illnesses can
lead to short- and long-term health problems and even death. When
an extreme heat event occurs with wildfire smoke, you should first
and foremost protect yourself from the heat. Prioritize keeping
cool. If it is too warm to stay inside, contact your local
authorities to find out the location of the nearest cooling
spaces.
By using a multi-layered approach, including evaluating your
health, you can reduce your risk from wildfire smoke and heat. It
is important to stay informed, get hydrated and stay cool. Keep up
to date with local weather forecasts for alerts, drink plenty of
water, and stay cool by taking a combination of measures such as
using your air conditioner if you have one, blocking the sun by
closing curtains and blinds, and taking cool showers or baths. It
is valuable to arrange regular check-ins those with mental illness
or other chronic conditions and seniors, particularly if they live
alone because the effects of heat can go unrecognised.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you witness someone with
complete or partial loss of consciousness, who is confused, has a
high body temperature, or has stopped sweating, call 911 or your
local emergency number immediately.
Evacuations
Evacuations due to fire risk and prolonged smoke exposure can
impact our mental health. It's not unusual to feel worried, sad or
isolated during an emergency. Eating well, getting enough sleep,
exercising indoors in a place with cleaner air, and staying in
contact with family and friends can help.
Resources
You can find more information about:
- wildfire smoke, air quality and health
at canada.ca/wildfires
- health effects of extreme heat events
at canada.ca/extremeheat
- Healthy Canadians podcast Deep breath, deep dive: Air
quality and your health
- In addition, public health authorities can access the recently
updated Wildfires in Canada:
Toolkit for Public Health Authorities, which summarizes information
and resources to support mitigation, preparedness, response and
recovery for human health risks associated with wildfires.
If you're having trouble coping, consider seeking help from a
friend, family member, community leader, health care provider or
visit Canada.ca/mental-health to learn about free mental
health supports and services. A safe space to talk is also
available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling or
texting 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide Crisis Helpline, or by calling
1-855-242-3310 to reach the Hope for Wellness Helpline for
Indigenous people across Canada.
During extreme weather events, help comes in many forms. I offer
my gratitude to the firefighters who continue to fight the ongoing
wildfires, first responders who are supporting those impacted, and
the communities and community organizations providing shelter and
support to evacuees.
By staying informed and being prepared together, we will get
through this season safely.
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada