The view from atop the Stantec Building (Executive Place) on July 16, 2021. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By City of Red Deer

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Residents reminded to take extra precautions while air quality is poor

Jul 16, 2021 | 1:12 PM

Smoke from BC wildfires is continuing to cause air quality concerns for Red Deer and much of Alberta.

Red Deerians are reminded to take extra precautions for their health and safety. The City is encouraging residents to limit strenuous outdoor activities, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated while smoke continues to damper local air quality.

Residents should also monitor signs and symptoms of smoke inhalation, as prolonged exposure to excessive pollution or smoke can impact a person’s health, including irritating lungs and airways, difficulty breathing or worsening chronic diseases such as heart disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma.

Recreation facilities are open and continue to offer activities for those looking to keep active indoors. Residents and visitors can participate in drop-in activities or registered programs, including public swim, lane swim, fieldhouse and gymnasium use, drop-in sport and fitness programming.

Information about drop-in activities is available online at www.reddeer.ca/dropin, while residents can register for programming online at www.redder.ca/looknbook.

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The City is continuing to monitor air quality and may close outdoor facilities and amenities if the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) exceeds level 7.

Residents are encouraged to follow The City on social media for updates about outdoor amenities such as sport fields, outdoor water features and picnic shelters. If closures take effect, registered users will be notified directly of cancellations or changes, as some programs may move indoors temporarily.

Where bookings cannot be easily moved or rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Customers who have paid a daily admission rate and have to vacate due to poor air quality, will receive a complimentary pass to be used at a future date.