UTICA, N.Y. — The air from the Canadian wildfires is broadening its grip on New York.
“DEC and Department of Health have updated the air quality health advisory, which now covers the entire State,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
The DEC commissioner joined the State commissioner of Health and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services today to warn us.
“Do you really need to go outside today? You’re going to be better off inside on days like today,” said Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
Inside, with the windows closed.
If you have to go outside, the experts say you’ll want an N95 or KN95 mask.
“A cloth mask or a surgical mask is not enough,” said Dr. Vrinda Kumar, Allergy/Immunology at Slocum Dickson Medical Group.
Oneida County is giving away the masks in the lobby of the County Office Building in Utica and DSS Office in Rome the rest of the week.
In response to the air quality index alert, the County is offering free KN95 masks at various locations.
Still, listen to your body, especially the very old, the very young, and those with health conditions, like asthma or heart disease.
“If it’s coughing when you’re outside but when you come back in, you’re fine, then it’s OK to wait and watch at home. But if it’s shortness of breath, chest tightness even at rest, a relentless cough that does not go away even despite doing medications at home, you definitely need to go to the ER or urgent care,” said Kumar.
An air quality alert in Oneida County has been extended through 11:59 p.m. July 16.
Also keep an eye on your prescriptions.
“If you need refills, if you know that you are running low on medications, it’s a good time to call your provider before the weekend and have all the refills stocked up,” Kumar said.
It might get worse before it gets better.
“This will likely be a prolonged event, and we might see even worse air quality tomorrow. So, please take precautions,” said Lefton.
The air from the Canadian wildfires is broadening its grip on New York.