Free N95 respirator masks protect people from wildfire smoke, poor air quality

As the local area remains under thick smoke from the surrounding wildfires, Merritt residents can pick up N95 respiratory masks now available for free in communities in the Interior Health region to help people protect themselves from impacts of wildfire smoke.

The Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 respirator masks and medical masks to communities that may be affected by wildfire smoke, respiratory viruses or other public-health events requiring personal protective equipment.

N95 respirators masks are effective at reducing exposure to particulate pollution, such as wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses. N95 respirator masks are available, while supplies last.

In Merritt, N95 respirator masks can be picked up at the the front desk of the Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society at 1999 Garcia St., Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30.

People at greater risk of serious health effects are encouraged to take extra precautions, such as using the N95 respirator masks.

Residents with chronic health conditions may want to review their management plans and ensure they have an adequate supply of medications. Parents and caregivers are asked to pay closer attention to infants and young children, while older adults and pregnant people are encouraged to take additional precautions during smoky periods.

The Nicola Valley region has been under a Yellow Air Quality warning since late last week after spending almost a week under an Orange Air Quality warning as smoke continues to billow into the region from the nearby Ainslie Creek wildfire that has now grown to more the 65-thousand hectares.

The best way to reduce risk from the impacts of wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure, for example, by staying up to date on local and regional air-quality conditions, creating a clean-air space at home using commercial or DIY portable air cleaner or HVAC filtration system, keeping cool, reducing time outdoors, moving activities indoors and checking if your community has set up clean-air spaces for people to get a break from the smoke.