Canada Post has issued a “red alert” in Chatham-Kent on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 and is a result of poor air quality due to wildfires.
The alert results in the suspending of mail delivery across the community.
“We issue delivery service alerts when delivery of the mail may not be possible because of conditions,” Canada Post officials stated on their website.
“These conditions can be weather-related or disasters, fires, floods, major accidents, etc. An alert can be issued for a particular community or an entire province.”
Canada Post officials added: “Delivery will resume once conditions improve and it’s safe to do so. The safety of our employees is our number one priority.”
When a red alert is issued, Canada Post is suspending delivery and not sending delivery agents out, or they are recalling them.
A special air quality statement remains active across Chatham-Kent.
“High levels of air pollution are expected to continue into today due to smoke from forest fires,” officials with the Province of Ontario and Environment Canada stated.
“Smoke plumes from forest fires over northeastern Ontario and Quebec have moved into the area, resulting in deteriorated air quality. Conditions are expected to improve for some areas on Thursday night. Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”
For more details, visit: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.
“Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations,” officials say.
“Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.”
Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell, officials with the Province of Ontario and Environment Canada stated.
“Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice,” officials say.
“Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.”
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
