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July 22, 2024
The City of Edmonton has extended the extreme weather response for poor air quality, effective immediately. The extension will remain in effect until Wednesday, July 24 at 9 a.m. Air quality conditions can change rapidly and the activation timeline is subject to forecast changes of the Air Quality Health Index.
The extreme weather response implements City Policy C620 to ensure the health and safety of all Edmontonians, particularly those who are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
For poor air quality activations, the threshold for activation typically includes the presence of an Environment Canada Special Air Quality Statement and a score of 7 or higher for two consecutive days on the Air Quality Index.
Poor Air Quality Supports
All open City facilities, such as recreation centres and pools, will distribute N95 masks and be available for anyone needing respite from the poor air quality conditions. Distribution of N95 masks to agencies serving vulnerable populations is available as needed. Social agency partners will have N95 masks available to people in need of protection from the smoke.
What Edmontonians Can Do To Help
Edmontonians should ensure they are aware of steps they can take to reduce the health risks to themselves and others. For air quality, we encourage people to take any and all actions to reduce exposure to the smoke. Please keep all windows and doors of buildings and vehicles closed as much as possible during periods of poor air quality. Additional information on the hazards, symptoms, and health risks of smoke and poor air quality can be found on the Environment Canada web page.
We encourage Edmontonians to check in on older family, friends and neighbours. Edmontonians who are concerned about someone outside can help by calling:
- 211 and press 3 for the 24/7 Crisis Diversion team. They can assist with individuals who may be in distress and can provide transportation to social service agencies.
- 911 in cases of emergency.
Sector Emergency Response
The City’s extreme weather response supplements existing measures implemented by the Sector Emergency Response group, a collaboration of more than 25 agencies working together to ensure Edmonton’s most vulnerable people are safe during adverse weather conditions.
This extreme weather response for poor air quality is in addition to the City’s extreme heat response due to sustained high temperatures. The extreme heat activation started on Monday, July 15 at 9 a.m. and is set to end on Friday, July 26.
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