Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has been placed under a heat warning and special air quality statement for the next few days.
On Wednesday, an Advisory Alert was sent out to residents informing them that due to daytime high temperatures reaching near 30 degrees Celsius, residents should be advised to take precautions to protect themselves.
Residents and visitors to the region are asked to take the following precautions:
- 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.
As temperatures remain high, monitor for symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can quickly lead to heat stroke which requires immediate medical attention.
Be on the lookout for signs of high body temperature, lack of sweat, confusion, fainting, and unconsciousness.
Temperatures aren’t expected to cool down until Saturday.
For more information on heat warnings, visit Alberta Health Services at albertahealthservices.ca/news/heat.aspx.
Just moments later another Advisory Alert was sent out warning residents that due to smoke from wildfires, a special air quality statement was put into effect for the Wood Buffalo region.
According to Firesmoke.ca, smoke is expected to blanket the area for the next few days.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath.
Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
If you’re at risk, consider taking extra precautions to reduce exposure.
For more information on special air quality statements, visit Alberta Health Services at albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx.