With our changing climate, wildfires are an increasing risk. Local fires and smoke from other areas can significantly reduce air quality. While there is little you can do to prevent these events from occurring, there are many measures you can take to protect yourself when they occur.
This includes seniors, pregnant people, infants, or young children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses.
This is a scale used by the Government of Canada to summarize the health risk and actions to take according to specific air quality scores.
Health Risk
Air Quality Health Index
Health Messages
At Risk Population*
General Population
Low Risk
1-3
Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
Moderate Risk
4-6
Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.
No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
High Risk
7-10
Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.
Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Very High Risk
Above 10
Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.
Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Monitor air quality indices or alerts from government websites and local advisories
Avoid or reduce outdoor activities when air quality is low.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Use a good quality filter in your HVAC system and change it more frequently during and immediately after poor air quality events. This includes HEPA filters, MERV 13 filters or higher.
Consider purchasing an air purifier to improve indoor air quality.
Wearing a respirator mask (N95, KN95, KF94, etc.) when going outdoors.
If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency from poor air quality or smoke exposure, call 9-1-1 and seek medical care immediately.
