Air Quality Precautions during Forest Fires

Dear Residents,

 

Our province is currently facing a challenging situation with forest fires causing significant damage throughout Alberta. Our thoughts go out to all those affected by these destructive events.

 

While we have been fortunate to experience unseasonably warm weather recently, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential impact on air quality due to the ongoing fires. Today, we have witnessed how rapidly the air quality can change, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adaptability during this dynamic situation.

 

To ensure your safety and well-being, we kindly request that you follow the recommendations provided by Alberta Health Services:

• Keep all windows and doors, including attached garage doors, closed as much as possible.
• Turn down furnace thermostats and furnace fans to the minimum setting. Please note that you should not attempt to extinguish the pilot light.
• If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from entering your home.
• Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems,” that may bring smoky outdoor air inside.
• Ensure that all floor registers are switched to the closed position.
• Close fireplace dampers on wood-burning fireplaces and refrain from using wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, or any smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles.
• If you possess room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, turn them on. Avoid using air cleaners that may produce ozone. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for filter replacement, device placement, and recommended room size.
• If applicable, turn off your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or put it into re-circulating mode while the air quality remains poor. Remember to turn on the HRV once the air quality improves in the coming days.
• If you need to drive to another location, keep windows and vents closed. Utilize the re-circulate mode for car fans to prevent the intake of outdoor air. Please note that vehicles should not be used as a means of shelter.
• Reduce levels of physical activity as necessary to minimize the inhalation of airborne pollutants.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your nose and mouth moist.

In addition, we highly recommend signing up for air quality alerts at www.ecalertme.weather.gc.ca to stay informed about the latest developments.

 

For further information on protecting yourself and maintaining good health during Air Quality Advisories, we encourage you to visit the following resources:

• Healthy Alberta Air Quality Notification Protocol – What You Need to Know
• Canada Public Weather Alerts Website
• Alberta Health Services – Air Quality Events Website

Your safety is our utmost priority, and by taking these precautions, we can collectively help to ensure the well-being of our community during these challenging times. To help offer relief to those impacted by the crisis, we are collection donations for the Calgary Food Bank and have made a donation to the Alberta Fires Appeal managed by the Canadian Red Cross.  Donations for the Calgary Food Bank can be dropped off at our office during regular business hours.

 

Thank you of your support and cooperation during this air quality advisory. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Emerald Management & Realty Ltd.

 

---

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. has built a reputation for quality and effectiveness, making us one of the go-to property rental companies in Calgary. During our 50 years in operation, we have encountered many problems and developed many solutions ensuring we can put our years of service and hard work to use in your favour and that the management of your property is worry-free.

We are dedicated to providing top quality care and service to our clients, and believe that our continuing success as a property management company in Calgary showcases our commitment to both relationships.