Climate Emergency Preparedness

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe as the climate changes. Wildfire smoke is a form of pollution that can affect your health. Exposure to too much smoke can irritate your eyes, lungs and heart.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Exposure can have both short-term and longer-term health impacts.

It is important to remember that people experience wildfire smoke events differently. Some residents are more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. This includes:

• Older people, infants, young children, people who are pregnant
• People with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes
• People facing communication or language barriers

It’s easier to stay safe and take action when you are prepared. Here are some steps you can take towards feeling prepared for wildfire smoke events:

• Know what symptoms to watch for and how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
• Sign up for air quality advisories and alerts in Metro Vancouver.
• Consider buying a portable air cleaner or making a DIY box fan filter.
• Familiarize yourself with places nearby that have cooler and cleaner air.
• Talk to your building manager about air quality in your building.

• Wesbrook Community Centre has an air filtration system and air conditioning during its regular hours. See location and hours here.

Below are resources with more information on wildfire smoke events:

• Translated wildfire smoke resources here.
• What to do when wildfire smoke and extreme heat events happen at the same time.
• Exercising outdoors during extreme heat events.
• Climate change and related hazards can have mental health impacts; for more information and resources, see the Government of Canada’s fact sheet here.
• Find out what UBC is doing about wildfire smoke exposure in residential buildings here.