The Health Effects Of Wildfires And How Canadian Red Cross Is Helping
The wildfires in Alberta’s Jasper National Park have been burning for weeks. They are truly a tragic part of the Canadian landscape. As recently reported by Zac Delaney of the Edmonton Journal, “the status of the fire is still out of control and burning approximately 34,000 hectares and spanning more than 30 kilometres.”
Albertans are enduring extreme hardships in the forms of home evacuations and significantly poor air quality. However, the ramifications of wildfires don’t just affect their province alone. As Canada.ca alerts, wildfires produce smoke that can be a source of air pollution for people all over Canada. “Wildfire smoke may be carried thousands of kilometres from the fire zone,” warns the website, “This means smoke can impact air quality in areas close to and far from the wildfire.”
Wildfire smoke is very harmful to your health.
When smoke from a wildfire enters your community, it can significantly disrupt your respiratory system. This is most certainly true for sufferers of asthma, congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. As well, older adults, pregnant women, smokers and children (who breathe in more air than adults) are more susceptible to the damage caused by wildfire smoke.
However, for all of us, smoke particles can lead to burning eyes, coughing, runny noses and even bronchitis. This information comes courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca. The website encourages Canadians to take steps to lower health risks in the presence of wildfire smoke. They include closing fresh air intakes from furnaces, fireplaces or stoves; turning on the air conditioning; using HEPA filters and humidifiers; avoiding the use of wood stoves, gas stoves and candles; and eliminating all smoking in the home.
The Canadian Red Cross is offering free N95 masks in your community.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to support people who are facing the impacts of the 2024 wildfire season across Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 respirator masks, free of charge, to organizations located in communities where exposure to wildfire smoke may impact air quality,” reports their website, “This support is offered on behalf of the Government of Canada.”
The Canadian Red Cross N95 Respirator Mask Distribution Program operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It runs until the end of September. There is no cost associated with receiving the shipment of the masks. Orders will be processed in bulk by cases. There is a minimum order of one case. It includes between 440 and 500 masks depending on the type of masks requested by organizations.
Organizations that wish to place larger orders should indicate as much on the order form which can be found HERE. For any questions regarding the Canadian Red Cross N95 Respirator Mask Distribution Program, please email [email protected].
SOS 4 Kids helps to keep your kids safe.
We offer children, who are aged 9 to 12, our Home Alone Safety For Kids course. Among many other things, it teaches home fire safety and basic first aid skills. As well, our Babysitter’s Course for children aged 11 to 15, teaches participants how to supervise young children in addition to basic first aid skills.
For more information about how to maintain the safety of your children in the wake of the Alberta wildfires, please don’t hesitate to give SOS 4 Kids a call at 1-844-373-1024. You may also email us at [email protected] or fill out the form on our Contact page.
