As smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to affect air quality in various communities, we encourage everyone to remain alert, informed, and cautious. Whether you are at home, traveling, visiting family, attending an event, or simply passing through an affected area, please take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and may affect air quality even when flames are nowhere nearby. In some areas, the sky may appear hazy, the air may have a smoky smell, or visibility may be reduced. Even when conditions do not appear severe, the air may still contain fine particles that can affect breathing and overall health.
Please monitor local weather reports, public safety announcements, and air-quality alerts. Conditions can change quickly, so it is important to stay informed throughout the day, especially before participating in outdoor activities or traveling to another area.
When air quality is poor, limit unnecessary time outdoors and avoid strenuous physical activity. Keep windows and doors closed whenever possible, and use air conditioning with the recirculation setting to help reduce the amount of outdoor smoke entering your home, hotel room, office, vehicle, or meeting space.
Individuals who must spend time outdoors may wish to wear a properly fitted N95 or similar protective mask. Cloth masks and standard face coverings may not provide adequate protection from the fine particles found in wildfire smoke.
Children, senior citizens, pregnant women, individuals with asthma, and those with heart, lung, or respiratory conditions may be especially sensitive to poor air quality. Please check on family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and visitors who may need additional assistance or support.
Those traveling should also remain aware of possible delays, reduced visibility, outdoor event changes, and other disruptions caused by smoke conditions. Before leaving home or beginning a trip, review local advisories and be prepared to adjust your plans when necessary. No activity, appointment, or gathering is more important than your health and safety.
Please remember to protect pets as well. Keep them indoors as much as possible, limit outdoor exercise, shorten walks, and provide plenty of clean water. Animals can also experience coughing, breathing difficulty, eye irritation, and other effects from wildfire smoke.
Common symptoms of smoke exposure may include coughing, headaches, irritated eyes, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or chest discomfort. Anyone experiencing severe breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or worsening symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
During challenging times such as these, let us continue to demonstrate care, compassion, and concern for one another. A simple phone call, message, or thoughtful check-in may provide comfort to someone who is elderly, home alone, traveling, or managing a medical condition.
We extend our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt encouragement to everyone affected by the wildfires and the resulting smoke. We also remember the firefighters, emergency personnel, volunteers, healthcare workers, and community leaders who continue working to protect lives and provide assistance.
May those directly affected find safety, shelter, strength, and peace. May families who have been displaced or impacted receive the support they need. May every community facing unhealthy air conditions remain protected and encouraged.
Although these conditions may feel frightening and overwhelming, please remember that you are not alone. Continue to take precautions, remain patient, follow the guidance of local officials, and support one another whenever possible.
Stay prayerful. Stay prepared. Stay informed. Stay encouraged.
Most importantly, please stay safe. 🙏🏽❤️
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