Orange and Yellow Level Air Quality Alerts for Simcoe and Muskoka

Simcoe and Muskoka is experiencing deteriorating air quality due to wildfire smoke. You are being advised that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued Orange and Yellow Level Air Quality Alerts for Simcoe and Muskoka for July 15, continuing into Thursday and possibly Friday. 

Wildfire smoke can affect everyone's health, even at low levels.  Smoke can travel hundreds of kilometres, affecting communities far from active wildfires. Air quality and visibility can change quickly and vary one area to another.

Health effects and symptoms of wildfire smoke

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

Reduce exposure

When air quality is poor:

• Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• Consider wearing a well-fitted respirator, such as an N95 or equivalent, if you must be outside.
• Take breaks from the smoke in public buildings with cleaner indoor air, such as libraries and community centres.
• When driving, keep windows closed and use the recirculate setting on your vehicle's ventilation system.
• If wildfire smoke is causing symptoms, move to a location with cleaner air and follow advice from your health-care provider.

For most people, exposure to heat is a bigger risk to health than exposure to wildfire smoke. If you cannot get cool inside, seek cooler spaces in your community or go outside, even if there is wildfire smoke. This is safer than staying in indoor environments that are too hot.

Please continue to monitor weather conditions in your local area by visiting Environment Canada, and check for alerts and AQHI.

For more information about wildfire smoke and your health, visit smdhu.org/WildfireSmoke. 

Received via email from the County of Simcoe, Emergency Management, on Wednesday, July 15 at 2:47 p.m.