What is a "Cleaner Air Space"?
Cleaner Air Spaces are indoor spaces that everyone can access. They provide better air quality for people looking for relief during periods of poor air quality, such as when wildfire smoke is present.
Why Cleaner Air Spaces matter
Poor air quality can harm your health, both short-term and long-term. Langley City aims not only to educate residents and businesses on personal emergency preparedness strategies but to also provide a list of publicly accessible City facilities where individuals can go to avoid breathing in polluted air.
Langley City residents are encouraged to prepare their homes by learning how to create and maintain a Cleaner Air Space and know where to go to find respite during wildfire season or extreme heat conditions.
Health effects of poor air quality
The short and long-term effects produced by polluted outdoor and indoor air include:
- Worsening asthma and respiratory issues
- Headaches, sinus infections, and eye irritation
- Allergic reactions and inflammation
- Heart problems like attacks or strokes
- Reduced lung capacity and extreme fatigue
If you experience symptoms related to poor air quality, consult your healthcare provider.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can be affected by poor air quality. However, there are certain people who are at higher risk:
- People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease
- Pregnant women
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- Outdoor workers
- Socially vulnerable groups
- First responders exposed to smoke
Clean air is important! Take simple steps to protect yourself and your household.
How and where to stay safe in poor air quality
- Stay indoors – Keep doors & windows closed.
- Use clean air systems – Air conditioners, fans, or air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Drink plenty of water – Helps your body cope with pollution.
- Have medications ready – If you have asthma or heart issues.
- Check on vulnerable family members – Seniors, kids, and those with health issues.
- Wear an N95 mask – If you need to go outside.
- Find public air-conditioned spaces – Community centers, malls, libraries.
Langley City’s public Cleaner Air Spaces
Timms Community Centre
City of Langley Library
Create Your Own Cleaner Air Space
During periods of poor air quality, home should be your safe space. Make sure you have:
- A Household Emergency Kit with at least 72 hours (3 days) of essential supplies for your entire household
- Air filters or purifiers to keep indoor air clean
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality:
- Test your air quality – Buy test kits online
- Keep your home clean – Reduce dust & allergens
- Use air-purifying plants – (Check pet safety first)
Stay Informed
| Organization | Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Canada | Public Weather Alerts for BC | Stay informed about weather warnings. |
| Government of Canada | FireWork Forecast | See daily wildfire smoke forecast maps. |
| Province of BC | Air Quality Health Index Interactive Map | Check air quality risk in your region. |
| Metro Vancouver | AirMap | View air quality and weather data for the Lower Fraser Valley. |
| Metro Vancouver | Air Quality & Climate Mailing List | Get updates on air quality and climate action. |
Resources
| Organization | Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Environment & Climate Change Canada | Air Quality: Frequently Asked Questions | Find frequently asked questions related to air quality to give you the information needed to stay safe. |
| BC Centre for Disease Control | Wildfire Smoke | View fact sheets with information about wildfire smoke and its health impacts, including information on how to prepare for wildfire season. |
| HealthLinkBC | Wildfires and Your Health | Find resources on wildfires, how they affect your health, and how you can stay safe and healthy. |
| Fraser Health | Air Quality | Learn more about outdoor air quality, wildfire smoke, and indoor air quality. |