Updated - Environment Canada says Air Quality Index at 10+

Sunset in Medicine Hat reveals smoky skies - photo by Kelly Allard

Updated to Include Most Recent Air Quality Reading

Smoke Just Hit 10+

MEDICINE HAT – Remember when we said a 7 was rough? Yeah, that was the good old days.

The Air Quality Index has spiked to over 10. That is the top of the scale. That is the "stop what you are doing and get inside" zone. Ontario hit numbers like this earlier this year and it was brutal. Now it is our turn. Lethbridge had it earlier today and now the wind has shifted the smoke to us.

This is not moderate anymore. This is high risk. For everyone.

What you need to do at These Levels

• Anybody vulnerable needs to get inside and stay there.  If you are outside, get in. If you are inside, stay in. Do not go out unless necessary.

• Lock down your house. Windows closed. Doors closed. Every crack sealed. If you have an air purifier, crank it to the max. If you have a good furnace filter, make sure it is fresh.

• Mask up if you absolutely have to go out. We mean a well-fitted N95 or equivalent respirator. Not a cloth mask. Not a bandana. A real respirator. It will not make you safe, but it will cut down on the junk you are breathing in.

Who Needs to be Extra Careful

At a 10+, this is everyone. But these folks are in the danger zone:

• Anyone 65 or older.

• Pregnant people.

• Babies and young children.

• Anyone with asthma, heart issues, lung disease, diabetes, or any chronic health condition.

• People who work outdoors – if you can, stop. If you cannot, talk to your boss about moving inside or getting proper respiratory protection.

If you are in one of these groups, you should not be outside at all. Full stop.

What to Watch For

The normal stuff is itchy eyes, scratchy throat, headache, or a mild cough. At a 10+, expect that to be worse.

The serious stuff is wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heavy cough that will not quit. If that happens to you or someone near you, call 911 or go to the hospital right now.

Check on Your People

This is the time to make sure everyone you know is okay. Call or text your older neighbours, your relatives, anyone who lives alone. Make sure they are inside and they know what is happening. Some people might not check the news. Be the person who tells them.

How Long Will This Last?

The forecast said we are supposed to drop to a 2 on Monday. That is still the forecast but that can change as the wind shifts. Keep watching Environment Canada alerts and check airhealth.ca for updates. This is changing hour by hour.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

We went from a 5 to a 7 to a 6 to over 10. This is serious. This is not the time to be a hero or tough it out. Get inside, stay inside, and keep your indoor air as clean as you can.

Could it be worse? Technically no, because 10 is the top of the scale. This is as bad as it gets on the AQI.

So do not mess around. Get inside. Stay inside. Check on your neighbours. And for the love of all that is holy, do not go for a jog.

For current AQI values and more info, hit up airhealth.ca or canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.

Keep watching Environment Canada alerts. We are in it now, Medicine Hat. Look out for each other.

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Issued by Environment Canada, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services.

Earlier version of this PSA

MEDICINE HAT –  The smoke rolling through Medicine Hat today is not the worst this country has seen. Ontario had numbers over 10 earlier this year. That was brutal. We are not there (Lethbridge is right now).

But do not let that fool you into letting your guard down.

Right now we are at a 5 on the Air Quality Index. That is moderate, annoying but manageable. But today and tonight Environment Canada says we are climbing to a 7 and then a 6. That is getting into the high range. Over the past 24 hours, the air quality has gone from 3 (low risk) to 7 (high risk); as of 07:00 it is now down to 5 (moderate risk)

For healthy people, it is uncomfortable.

For anyone with health issues, it is a real problem.

The good news? Monday we drop to a 2, low risk.

Today is A Good Day to Stay Inside

• A 7 is not a 10, but it is still nothing to mess with. This is not the time for hanging out on the porch or doing yard work. Get inside and stay there.

• Shut every window and door. If you have an air purifier, run it on high. If you have a good furnace filter, make sure it is fresh. Keep that indoor air clean.

• If you must go out, mask up. A well-fitted N95 or equivalent respirator cuts down on the fine particles. It is not a free pass to go for a walk, but it helps for quick trips.

Who Needs to Be Extra Careful

• Anyone 65 or older.

• Pregnant people.

• Babies and young children.

• Anyone with asthma, heart issues, lung disease, diabetes, or any chronic health condition.

• People who work outdoors.

If you are in one of these groups, take this seriously. Keep outdoor time to a minimum. A 7 might not scare a healthy 25 year old, but it can hit someone with asthma like a ton of bricks. Do not push it.

What to Watch For

Normal stuff - Itchy eyes, scratchy throat, headache, or a mild cough.

The not-normal stuff is wheezing, chest pain, or a heavy cough that will not quit. If that happens to you or someone near you, call 911 or go to the hospital.

Check on Your Family, Friends, Neighbours

According to the forecast, tonight is going to be rough. Call or text your older neighbours, your relatives, anyone who lives alone. Some people might think "well it is not as bad as Ontario" and let their guard down. Remind them that does not matter -what matters is how it affects them right here, right now.

The Bottom Line

Here is the timeline. Right now we are at 5. The forecast says that today and tonight we climb to 7 and then 6. That is the rough patch. Monday we drop to 2 and we are back to normal. Hopefully the forecast is wrong or the wind shifts but for now, check the Air Quality before you spend time outdoors.

Anybody travelling to Lethbridge today might want to wear a gas mask - they are at a 10+ right now and one resident has called it Crazy Smoky.

For current AQI values and more info, check out airhealth.ca or canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.

Keep watching Environment Canada alerts.