Wildfire smoke can cause various symptoms ranging from eye, nose, and throat irritations to breathing difficulties and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as asthma and heart diseases. How to protect yourself from poor air quality? • Limit or postpone outdoor activities. • If you must go out, consider wearing a fitted mask to reduce your exposure to smoke. • Protect indoor air quality from wildfire smoke by: • Keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible. • Using a clean and good-quality air filter in your ventilation system, following manufacturer recommendations. • Using a certified portable air purifier that filters fine particles. • Regularly changing filters in your ventilation system and portable air purifier during smoke episodes. Clogged filters are not effective in removing smoke. • When an episode of extreme heat occurs with poor air quality, first and foremost, try to stay cool. In case of emergency, familiarize yourself with evacuation plans from your local, provincial and territorial emergency management authorities to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.
To learn more
• Visit Preparing for Wildfire Smoke Events
Preparing for wildfire smoke events
• You may also watch the Wildfire season is here. Make sure you’re prepared video.
Wildfire season is here. Make sure you’re prepared
• For information related to mental health, visit Evacuations and your mental health
Evacuations and your mental health
