CNV Fields

@MetroVancouver has issued a Yellow Air Quality Warning (High Health Risk) for the Metro Vancouver region, including the North Shore (North Vancouver, West Vancouver), due to smoke from wildfires in BC. The warning is in effect until there is a change in weather. Smoke can affect everyone, but the greatest health risks are for: ⚫Older adults ⚫Infants and young children ⚫Pregnant people ⚫People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions ⚫Those who work or exercise outdoors What you can do: ☑Check in on others who may be more affected. People at higher risk include those with lung, heart or other chronic conditions, pregnant people, infants, children, older adults, and outdoor workers. ☑Improve indoor air quality. Use portable HEPA air cleaners or do-it-yourself box fan air cleaners. If your home has a built-in ventilation system, install filters rated MERV 13 or higher to remove smoke. If possible, adjust the ventilation system to reduce smoke coming indoors. ☑Keep windows and doors closed while running air filtration. If it’s hot, focus on staying cool. ☑Spend time in places with air conditioning if your home is smoky or too hot. Try community centres, libraries, or malls. ☑Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe cough. Call 911 in emergencies. ☑Manage chronic conditions and carry rescue medications with you (e.g. inhalers). ☑If you must be outside, a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask offers the most protection. Medical masks offer some protection and single layer coverings (e.g. bandanas, scarfs, shirts) offer none. ☑Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often throughout the day because conditions can change quickly. See airmap.ca or gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap. ☑Sign up for air quality alerts at metrovancouver.org/aqalerts. If you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately or call 9-1-1. For more information, visit nsem.ca