N95 respiratory masks are now available for free in communities in the Interior Health region to help people protect themselves from impacts of wildfire smoke.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 respirator masks and medical masks to Canadian organizations located in communities that may be affected by wildfire smoke, respiratory viruses or other public-health events requiring personal protective equipment.

List of communities where masks are available

N95 respirators masks are effective at reducing exposure to particulate pollution, such as wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses. N95 respirator masks may be available for free, while supplies last. People can visit the following locations to get masks:

Community Futures Sun Country
Address: 203 Railway Ave., Ashcroft
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday.

Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Area Association
Address: 202-246 Second Ave., Kamloops
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday.

Kamloops North Shore BIA
Address: 115 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The Salvation Army
Address: 344 Poplar St. N, Kamloops
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Ask staff for masks.

University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus
Address: 3287 University Way, Kelowna
Masks are available at the Campus Security Dispatch Office.

Lake Country Health Planning Society
Address: 10080 Main St. N, Lake Country
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society
Address: 1999 Garcia St., Merritt
Hours: 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

District of Peachland
Address: 4450 6th St., Peachland
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

Parm Bains Constituency Office
Address: Unit 230, 11331 Coppersmith Way, Richmond
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday.

Cariboo Friendship Society
Address: 99 3rd Avenue S, Williams Lake
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

Neskonlith Indian Band
Address: 705 Chief Neskonlith Dr., Chase

How to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke

The best way to reduce risk from the impacts of wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure, for example, by staying up to date on local and regional air-quality conditions, creating a clean-air space at home using commercial or DIY portable air cleaner or HVAC filtration system, keeping cool, reducing time outdoors, moving activities indoors and checking if your community has set up clean-air spaces for people to get a break from the smoke.

People at greater risk of serious health effects are encouraged to take extra precautions. For instance, people with chronic health conditions may want to review their management plans and ensure they have an adequate supply of medications. Parents and caregivers are asked to pay closer attention to infants and young children, while older adults and pregnant people are encouraged to take additional precautions during smoky periods.

Available resources

People can visit public spaces, such as community centres and libraries, which tend to have cleaner, cooler indoor air. People are encouraged to check with their local government or First Nation for more information on clean-air locations in their community.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) can reimburse communities for incremental costs associated with opening and running clean-air centres, as well as extending hours of operation of public spaces to help people reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

People experiencing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, severe coughing, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations, should contact HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, speak with their health-care provider or seek medical attention. Call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency.

For more information about wildfire smoke, air quality and preparing for wildfire season, visit resources from the BC Centre for Disease Control, HealthLink BC and Health Canada.