Wildfires

Make sure that your family and the members of your household are prepared, should a wildfire occur:

• Ensure that you have an emergency plan in place and that your emergency kits are ready in case you need them.
• Stay informed of weather conditions and advisories in your area. Be especially aware of potentially triggering weather conditions, such as droughts and lightning storms.
• Make sure smoke alarms are placed on every level of the home, and preferably in every bedroom. Test your smoke detectors once per month. Batteries should be replaced every 6 months, while the alarm itself should be replaced once every 10 years.
• Remove any fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
• Check with your local municipality and/or fire department to before burning.

Learn more about what you can do to prepare for a wildfire.

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When wildfires happen you should monitor its progress through radio, television or local social media accounts for warnings or information from authorities and emergency officials who coordinate evacuation plans. To reduce the health risks, remember to:

• Keep all doors and windows closed in your home.
• Keep lights on to aid visibility in case smoke fills the house.
• Turn off propane or natural gas. Move any propane barbeques into the open, away from structures.
• Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage and yard to aid visibility in case smoke fills the house.
• Move all combustibles away from the house, including firewood and lawn furniture.
• Make sure your home and family are prepared for a potential power outage.

If you see a fire approaching your home or community, report it immediately by dialling 9-1-1. If an evacuation order is issued or you have to leave your home, be sure to take your emergency kit and other essential items with you.

Learn more about what you can do to during a wildfire.

Once your power has been restored, there are some important steps, including:

• Be aware of damage, such as downed trees, power outages, downed power lines, and stay away from unsafe buildings to avoid injury.
• Listen to the radio, television or local social media accounts for information to follow from authorities and emergency officials.
• If you were forced to evacuate, follow evacuation orders and stay outside the evacuation zone until authorities have advised that it is safe to return.
• Work with local authorities and professional engineers to assess the structural safety of your home. Only re-enter your home after authorities advise that it’s structurally safe to do so.

Learn more about what to do after a wildfire.

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada are currently providing the below precautions for regions with a Special Air Quality Alert, including the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit area:

• Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
• People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
• Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.
• Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
• If you have a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, use the highest rated Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
• Take a break from the smoke at an indoor location where you can find clean, cool air.
• Wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. Masks can also make breathing more difficult. If you wish to wear a mask, a N95 respirator is recommended.
• Check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.
• Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode.
• If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit Wellness Together Canada.

For more information:

• Check your local Air Quality Health Index value and watch the “What is the Air Quality Health Index?” video.
• •Review current Special Air Quality Statements issued by Environment Canada.
• Find more information on air quality and what you should do, visit airqualityontario.com.

Employees, visitors and residents of congregate settings that house people who are vulnerable, such as elderly, people with chronic illness, people with disabilities and young children, can take additional precautions to further protect the health and safety of the most at-rick population, including:

• Closely monitor symptoms and call 911 if a person’s symptoms become severe and/or if they are in a medical emergency.
• Wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. Masks can also make breathing more difficult. If you wish to wear a mask, a N95 respirator is recommended.

Business owners, managers and employees of workplaces with outdoor workers should reduce exposure to smoke when a Special Air Quality Statement is in effect by implementing the following safety measures:

• Find ways to reduce workers’ level of physical activity such as slowing the pace of work and/or increasing the number of workers on a task. Physical exertion can increase air intake up to 20 times.
• Increase frequency and/or duration of breaks.
• Consider relocating work to less smoky areas or rescheduling until the air quality improves. Follow air quality advisories in your area to plan shifts.
• Be aware that some workers may be more susceptible to health impacts of smoke and may need additional measures to reduce their exposure.
• Provide cool drinking water. Remind workers to drink frequently, even if they are not thirsty.
• Educate workers to recognize symptoms of smoke exposure.
• Develop a plan in the event that a worker experiences symptoms of smoke exposure.
• Wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. Masks can also make breathing more difficult. If you wish to wear a mask, a N95 respirator is recommended.

For more information:

• Check your local Air Quality Health Index value and watch the “What is the Air Quality Health Index?” video.
• •Review current Special Air Quality Statements issued by Environment Canada.
• Find more information on air quality and what you should do, visit airqualityontario.com.