hazeDespite only having two small fires burning in OUR region currently, smoke from other wildfires burning in the province has made for extremely hazy conditions across the entire lower mainland, and an official air quality advisory that was already in effect for Metro Vancouver has now been extended to the Fraser Valley.  People with underlying health conditions or respiratory issues should stay indoors if possible.

Tips to reduce your personal health risk.
– Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic and areas with wood smoke.
– Stay cool and drink plenty of water.
– Continue to manage medical conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory disease and heart failure. If
symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.
– Maintaining good overall health is a good way to reduce health risks resulting from short term exposure to air
pollution.

And especially for persons with chronic underlying medical conditions:
– Stay in a cool, air conditioned environment and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking and
vacuuming.
– Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce indoor particulate levels
provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly.
– Take shelter in air conditioned buildings which have large indoor volumes and limited entry of outdoor air.
Voluntary Emission Reduction Actions
Reducing sources of fine particulates throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley will be beneficial to air
quality.

Actions people can take:
– Minimize the use of diesel powered equipment.
– Consider taking transit or carpooling rather than driving to your destination.
– Follow local regulations for recreational fires. Avoid lighting a fire where possible.

Additional Information
– Transportation, non road engines, heating and burning are significant sources of fine particulates in Metro
Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.