Detroit Health Department guidance update and respite centers open to help residents stay safe from effects of Canadian wildfires

2023

The Detroit Health Department is providing updated guidance for residents concerned about the poor air quality in the city caused by ongoing wildfires in Canada.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has extended the air quality alert for Southeast Michigan, which includes the City of Detroit until Saturday, July 1 at 12 a.m. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Air Quality Index indicates that the Detroit area’s air quality rating is currently at “purple.” Ratings of “purple” or higher represent unhealthy levels, especially for sensitive populations. Please check www.airnow.gov for up-to-date air quality conditions in your area.

The health effects of particle pollution exposure can range from relatively minor (e.g., eye and respiratory tract irritation) to more serious health effects (e.g., exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death). Older adults, pregnant women, infants, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke.

Acting Chief Public Health Officer Christina Floyd stated the Health Department is recommending that people limit their time outdoor, refrain from any outdoor strenuous activity, and wear a KN95 mask if you must be outside. We encourage all residents to sign up to receive Detroit Alert 365 texts, e-mails, and phone alerts for up-to-date recommendations and important alerts from the Detroit Health Department. The Detroit Health Department will be partnering with various organizations to provided masks to the unhoused population.

Residents can sign up at https://detroitmi.gov/departments/homeland-security-emergency-management-detroit/emergency-preparedness/detroit-alerts-365.

For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens, Floyd recommended the follow steps to reduce exposure:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • Keep windows and doors closed, if possible
  • Move physical activities indoors or rescheduling them
  • Be sure to wear a mask

Floyd added that wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. If you are experiencing signs of sickness, please contact your medical provider.

For those residents who do not have working air conditioning, the City’s recreation centers are open during normal business hours, with Farwell Recreation Center and Adams-Butzel Recreation Center open as respite centers until 10 p.m. tonight.

Detroit Recreation Centers:

Adams/Butzel Center, 10500 Lyndon (313) 628-0990 (OPEN UNTIL 10PM TONIGHT)                

Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive (313) 628-2028 (OPEN UNTIL 10PM TONIGHT) 

Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort (313) 628-2819                                                                

Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon (313) 628-2030                                                          

Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road (313) 578-7500                                                    

Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere (313) 628-2000

Masks are available for free to residents at the Detroit Health Department, located at 100 Mack Ave., and at all City of Detroit Recreation Centers.

“We are continually monitoring the situation and are in close contact with our partners at EGLE, the City’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, as well as the City’s Environmental division,” said acting Chief Public Health Officer, Christina Floyd. “As conditions warrant, we will provide additional updates and guidance to help make sure our residents stay safe.”

For more information, please see the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Air Quality Index page at http://www.deqmiair.org.