Protect yourself from poor air quality & wildfire smoke
Stay indoors: Reduce time spent outdoors to protect your health.
- Reduce outdoor physical activity: Refer to the Air Quality Health Index and decrease physical exertion outdoors when air quality is poor
- Consider wearing a well fitted respirator if you cannot access cleaner air: Use a well fitted respirator (e.g., N95, KN95) properly to reduce exposure to particulate matter in smoke.
- Activate medical management action plans: Ensure that your plan to self-manage any chronic diseases (e.g., respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) are in place and up-to-date, and that adequate rescue medications are available.
- Use a home air purifier: Spend time in a room in your home with a portable air cleaner with HEPA filtration to reduce smoke exposure.
Some people are more affected by wildfire smoke than others, including:
- Those with lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Those with other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or mental illnesses
- Older adults
- People who are pregnant
- Infants and young children
If you have events planned, consider rescheduling, moving indoors, or reducing the intensity or length of activites.
Visit the BCCDC wildfire smoke webpage to learn more about the health effects of wildfire smoke, how to prepare for wildfire season, and more.