Potential Air Quality Impacts

Please be advised, Fraser Health is urging individuals to plan in advance for poor air quality as a result of the BC wildfires.

Here are some steps you and your loved ones can take to prepare for any potential exposure to smoky air:

• Check your medications, especially rescue medications for breathing
• Keep windows and doors closed if possible without overheating
• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner
• Stay hydrated
• Reduce time spent outdoors and reduce strenuous activities, because breathing harder means inhaling more smoky air
• Pay attention to air quality reports, especially the air quality health index
• Spend time in a home or community space that can act as a clean air shelter, a space that has filtration to help reduce smoke exposure. Community clean air shelters can be found in many public buildings such as shopping malls, libraries and local community centres. These spaces have appropriate cooling and air filtration equipment that will protect people from experiencing irritating symptoms. Call your local municipality for information about public spaces in your community with clean air

Seniors and residents with underlying medical conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and stay indoors with windows closed whenever possible until Fraser Health advises otherwise.

In the event of a formal air quality advisory, please check the Fraser Health website and the City of New Westminster’s website and social media channels for more information.