Red Earth Creek, AB

6:35 AM MDT Monday 8 July 2024

Wildfire smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility in some areas. During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health. The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke such as seniors, pregnant women and pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, reduce or stop outdoor activities. Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. Limit time outdoors. Consider rescheduling or cancelling outdoor sports, activities and events. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Always seek out and follow health guidance from local authorities. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health. Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke. Take care of your mental health. Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke. Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Issued by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services

5:16 AM MDT Monday 8 July 2024

Extremely hot temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows of 14 degrees Celsius or greater are expected until at least mid week. Daytime highs will gradually increase to near 35 degrees Celsius by Wednesday for many regions of Alberta. Overnight lows in the mid teens will not provide much relief from the heat. Residents of and visitors to the warned regions are advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours: - Consider rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day. - Take frequent breaks from the heat, spending time in cooled indoor spaces where possible. - Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated. - Check for your children or pets before you exit your vehicle. Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle, for any length of time. Monitor for symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness. Pay particular attention to individuals that can experience earlier or more severe effects from heat including infants, children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions, outdoor workers, as well as those who are socially isolated. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. For more heat health advice, visit: albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.