With summer in full swing, and the wildfire season upon us, it can be a concerning time for many Canadians. Wildfires, an increasingly common occurrence, pose not just immediate threats, such as injuries and burns, but they also impact air quality, potentially leading to chronic health issues.
As wildfires continue to impact our area, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and protect your health. Here, you can find some useful information for staying safe and healthy during such times.
In this blog, we provide guidance to help you stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.
Wildfire Smoke
The smoke generated by wildfires can pose significant health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions or underlying health issues. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning vegetation, building materials, and other materials. This smoke can harm you in numerous ways, including causing respiratory issues, worsening chronic heart and lung diseases, and inducing symptoms related to eye and throat irritation.
What Should You Do?
Stay informed - Stay updated on the wildfire situation in your area. Use resources such as local news channels, social media platforms, and government websites. A useful tool is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which measures air quality in real-time and can provide vital information on when to limit outdoor exposure.
Create a Safe Environment Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning, if available, and keep the fresh-air intake closed to prevent smoke from getting inside. Consider purchasing an air purifier to remove particles from the air.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Limit your time spent outside when smoke is visible, or when you can smell it. This is especially important for children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Drinking lots of water helps to keep your airways moist which can help reduce symptoms of respiratory irritation. Eating a healthy diet can help bolster your immune system and improve your body's ability to fight off any potential health effects from wildfire smoke.
Prepare a Wildfire Emergency Kit: Include essential items such as N95 respirator masks, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries, necessary medications, and important personal documents.
Create an Evacuation Plan: If wildfires become a threat in your area, you may need to evacuate at a moment's notice. Have a plan ready, including where you'll go, different evacuation route options, and what you'll bring.
Listen to Local Health Authorities and Firefighters: They have the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding the state of the wildfires, air quality, and steps you should be taking to remain safe.
We understand that these are challenging and often scary times. Please remember that your health and well-being remain our top priority, and our healthcare services continue to be available to you. If you're experiencing difficulty breathing, prolonged coughing, or other serious symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.
If you would like to speak to a doctor, either for health advice or treatment for a health concern, head to Rocket Doctor today and click ‘book an appointment’.
Stay safe and stay informed.
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