The City of Wrenford is sharing health and safety tips for residents as wildfire smoke lowers air quality across Southwestern Ontario. Smoke from distant fires can drift into our region, reducing the air we breathe. While the situation is changing, the City wants you to know how to protect yourself and your family.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can harm your health. Older adults, infants, young children, pregnant women, and people with lung or heart conditions are most at risk. You might notice a runny nose, sore throat, cough, or eye irritation. If you have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, or get chest pain, call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest hospital right away.
Here is how you can stay safe when the air is smoky:
- Check that you have enough of your regular medicines, especially for breathing.
- Keep windows and doors closed to keep smoky air outside.
- Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter if you have one.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Cut back on outdoor activities. Breathing hard pulls more smoke into your lungs.
- Watch the Air Quality Health Index in local news or on weather apps.
You do not have to stay inside all day. The City runs a network of buildings with better air filtration. These spaces include branches of the Wrenford Public Library, the Tamsin Valley Leisure Centre, the Northgate Aquatic Centre, the Ambrel Lake Recreation Centre, and the Westbrook Community Arena. You can also visit the Benchlands Lookout Park, Riverside Flats Park, and Ambrel Lake Park for shaded walking trails.
Wildfire smoke can be tricky because it changes quickly, says Liam O'Rourke, Community Emergency Management Coordinator. We want everyone to know where to go for cleaner air and how to keep their homes safe before the smoke gets worse.
If you need help making your home safer, the City has a downloadable guide for building a simple box fan and HEPA filter air cleaner. We are also handing out free N95 respirator masks at community centres during high smoke warnings.
If your symptoms get worse, call Tamsin Valley Public Health or 9-1-1. Do not wait.
To stay up to date on air quality and weather warnings, sign up for the Wrenford Emergency Alert Network. You can also check the Extreme weather and storm preparedness page for more tips on staying safe during heat and smoke events.
For full details on how to breathe easier during smoky days, visit the Wildfire smoke health information page.