Protecting yourself against wildfire smoke and extreme heat

Dozens of communities in British Columbia have seen temperatures climbing to record highs in recent days, while others remain under an active heat warning. The extreme heat has also led to tinder-dry environments, creating prime conditions for a spark in wildfires, adding to the almost 150 active wildfires burning in the province. The combination of soaring temperatures and poor air quality could lead to a myriad of health risks, but there are simple strategies you can use to keep you and your family safe during periods of extreme heat and wildfire season.

Tips to stay cool

Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, disorientation, muscle weakness and more. In some cases, heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency. Try these tips to keep safe in the hot weather.

• Cool off. Use fans and air conditioners or stay in air-conditioned environments. Take cool baths or showers, sleep in the coolest part of your home, and try sleeping with a cool wet towel or sheet. If your home is hotter than 31C degrees, plan to go somewhere cooler—such as the library, the mall, or check your local municipality website to locate available cooling centres.
• Protect your skin. Sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Ensure you use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on any exposed skin, and don’t forget your hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Stay hydrated. Drink more water than you think, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol, as they cause dehydration and can increase your risk of heatstroke.
• Check on those at higher risk. Do you have a neighbour or loved one who lives alone, or deals with a condition that increases their health risk in hot weather? Set up regular check-ins.

Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke can cause physical health problems, along with mental health difficulties due to stress and climate anxiety. Smoke contains several environmental hazards, from gases to fine particulate matter. These particles can cause lung irritation and inflammation. If you experience the below symptoms, it’s important to contact a health care professional.

• Shortness of breath
• Severe cough
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations

Here are some ways you can stay safe and limit wildfire smoke exposure.

• Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and only go outside when it’s safe. If you must go outside, use a well-fitted respirator or three-layer cloth or disposable mask.
• Use a portable HEPA air purifier and keep your windows closed.
• If you have a forced air heating/cooling system in your home, change the filter and set the fan to run continuously.
• When driving in your car, use AC when possible and keep the ventilation set to recirculate.
• Stay hydrated to reduce inflammation.
• Reduce your activity level to reduce the amount of smoke you inhale.

More helpful resources

For more information on how to prepare for extreme heat, visit Prepare BC’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide. You can also learn more about heat-related illness by visiting HealthLinkBC’s Heat-related Illness webpage.

To learn more about wildfire smoke and the health implications, visit the BCCDC’s dedicated Wildfire Smoke webpage or the BC Government’s Air quality advisories.

If you are a physician working in an in area at risk of wildfires, visit our Emergency Preparedness Resources for Physicians webpage for information on how to be prepared, as well as how to continue providing patient care.