Eva Baldi

Shawville June 14, 2023

With the high levels of smoke in the past few weeks caused by forest fires across the province, health officials are offering guidelines to help reduce effects of smoke inhalation.

During times of high smoke, people are advised to stay indoors with windows, doors, and exterior openings closed, and to use the recycled air setting on their air conditioner unit whenever possible.

People are encouraged to support vulnerable individuals with the implementation of these guidelines.

People with asthma, or respiratory or heart problems are asked to take extra precaution during times of high smoke. CISSS recommends that at-risk individuals ensure that they have access to their medication, and they follow their treatment plan. If they feel that the smoke is affecting their wellbeing, they are encouraged to call 811 to contact Info-Santé.

According to Qeren Boua, communications advisor for CISSS Outaouais, no one has been admitted in relation to smoke and emergency room numbers have stayed consistent, and all hospital services and surgeries continue to operate normally.