Title Image
Image
Caption
Foothills County is under an Air Quality Alert
Title Image Caption
Foothills County is under an Air Quality Alert
Categories

Foothills County is currently under another Air Quality Advisory.

Not only that, but Foothills County is still under a Heat Warning.

Due to the amount of wildfire smoke in the air, very poor air quality and reduced visibility can be expected.

The air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke is able to fluctuate over short distances, as well as from hour to hour.

While heavy smoke conditions cause everyone to be at risk, regardless of age or health, those who are more susceptible to wildfire smoke, such as seniors, those who are pregnant, infants and young children, and those with an existing illness or chronic health condition are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Image removed.
Okotoks is smoky due to wildfire smoke

Common symptoms due to wildfire smoke include eye, nose, and throat irritations, but less common and more serious symptoms include severe coughing and chest pains, and it's advised to seek out immediate medical assistance if a medical emergency is suspected.

It's also advised to limit time outdoors and reschedule outdoor activities and sports.

To keep the home as smoke-free as possible, it's best to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, but when there is an extreme heat event occurring while there is poor air quality, Environment Canada suggests prioritizing keeping cool.

A properly worn respirator-type mask can help reduce the number of particles being breathed in, which is the main health risk involved with wildfire smoke.

Environment Canada asks people to check in on those who live nearby who may be more impacted by wildfire smoke.

To stay up to date on the Air Quality Health Index, click here.