Canadian Wildfire Smoke May Impact New York Air Quality
Smoke from wildfires in Canada is expected to affect air quality across parts of New York beginning today. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are forecast to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) and could periodically increase to Unhealthy (Red). Air quality conditions may change throughout the day.
All New Yorkers should limit strenuous or prolonged (more than one hour) outdoor activity when air quality is poor. Individuals who are particularly sensitive—including older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease—should avoid unnecessary outdoor activity whenever possible.
Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
Encourage staff and patients to take the following precautions:
- Listen to your body. If you experience watery eyes, a scratchy throat, coughing, or difficulty breathing, reduce physical activity and move indoors.
- Stay cool safely. During periods of extreme heat, the risk from high temperatures may exceed the risk from poor air quality. If you do not have air conditioning, seek a public cooling location such as a library or community center, or stay with friends or family who have air conditioning. If you must remain in a home without air conditioning, keep windows open when conditions allow and use an air purifier if available.
- Wear a high-quality mask. An N95 or KN95 respirator can reduce exposure to wildfire smoke when outdoor activity is unavoidable, but it is not a substitute for limiting time outdoors.
Considerations for Home Care Providers
Wildfire smoke presents unique challenges for home care agencies. Patients receiving care at home are often among those most vulnerable to poor air quality, while field staff may encounter significantly different air conditions as they travel between visits.
Now is a good time to:
- Review your agency’s emergency preparedness plans for wildfire smoke and poor air quality.
- Educate staff and patients about smoke-related health risks and protective measures.
- Encourage staff and patients to monitor local air quality conditions and sign up for emergency alerts.
- Consider rescheduling non-urgent home visits when air quality reaches Very Unhealthy or Hazardous levels (AQI above 200), when operationally feasible, to help protect field staff.
Stay Informed
New York State issues Air Quality Health Advisories whenever air quality is expected to pose a health concern.
To receive the latest alerts:
- Sign up for NY-Alert to receive emergency notifications, including air quality advisories.
- New York City residents can also enroll in Notify NYC for local emergency information.
- Subscribe to New York State’s “Triple Three Triple One” text alert system by texting your county (or your borough if you live in New York City) to 333111. The service is free and not case-sensitive.
- Download the FEMA App to receive National Weather Service alerts.
- Monitor current air quality through the EPA’s AirNow website and its interactive air quality map.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) also provide emergency notifications automatically through local cell towers—no registration is required.
Share HCP Resources
Help your staff and patients prepare by sharing HCP’s Air Quality educational video, which provides practical guidance on reducing exposure, recognizing health risks, and responding to changing air quality conditions.
