Advertencias, Askew Islands

air quality advisory in effect A wildfire burning near Fort Good Hope is causing reduced visibility and poor air quality in smoke. Improvement is not expected in the near term as conditions will remain hot and dry. ### When outdoors, if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce strenuous physical activities. If you experience irritation of eyes, nose or throat, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms, you should go indoors. People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits. Children, including teenagers, are at higher risk from outdoor air pollution because they often spend time being active outdoors. Young people are more likely to have asthma and their lungs are still developing. Older adults may be more affected by air pollution exposure, possibly because they are more likely to have pre-existing lung and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to air pollution is particularly a concern for children, the elderly, and those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease. People with cardiovascular disease can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate the disease leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits. For more information on air quality and your health, please visit the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services at https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/environmental-health/air-quality. Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. We can all help improve air quality by doing simple things, such as using public transit, reducing our driving speed and not letting our car engines idle unnecessarily. If you, or someone in your care, develop symptoms, reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoors activities where ever possible until the air quality improves. Where possible, limit the amount of time you spend in areas where pollution can be elevated, like busy streets during rush hour and industrial zones, especially when you exercise. At risk individuals may wish to identify an indoor space with central air conditioning they can use as the AQHI approaches or is forecast at a value of 7 or higher. For people with chronic disease, have an adequate supply of medication (more than 5 days) and develop a plan with your health care provider for managing your condition during periods of poor air quality. Eliminate indoor air pollution sources such as tobacco smoke where possible, and limit outdoor pollutants from entering the home by replacing your furnace/central air HEPA filters every 3 months. Active people of all ages who exercise or work outdoors are at increased risk to the health effects posed by air pollution. Be air aware and know the best times to be active outdoors by using the AQHI to plan your day. Be air aware by turning air conditioners to a higher temperature and turning off lights, computers and other electrical appliances when not in use. If you are taking medication or have a health condition, please pay close attention to your symptoms and take a break if necessary. You can help reduce outdoor air pollution by leaving the car at home and using a transportation alternative such as walking, cycling, carpooling or public transportation. Avoiding the use of gas powered equipment, such as lawnmowers, also helps reduce outdoor air pollution. Avoid using chemical based products in your home that can affect indoor air quality. Choose less toxic cleaners, paints, finishes and glues. Look for products labeled "VOC-free," "zero-VOC" or "low-VOC." Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

heat warning in effect Hot conditions are expected for the rest of the week. Afternoon high temperatures will approach 30 degrees Celsius with early morning lows near 15 degrees Celsius. This heat event will persist into the weekend. ### Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues. Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #NTStorm. Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration. Check several times a day on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water. Reduce your heat risk. Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building. Limit direct sun exposure. Shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat and/or an umbrella. Never leave people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Ask a health professional, such as a pharmacist or physician, how medications or health conditions can affect your risk in the heat. Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space. When it’s hot, eat cool, light meals. Avoid using the oven. Keep your house cool. Turn on your air conditioning (if possible), block the sun by closing curtains or blinds, or relocate to a cooler location such as a basement or public cooling centre. All workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool or shaded space.