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FRIDAYJULY 18
MILLS: Report shows dust is still a problem
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Heat and smoke combined are an unhealthy mix for city Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com Heat and smoke could still cause some health problems in Prince George and across northern B.C. Dr. William Osei, the medical health officer for Northern Health, said conditions started to cause concerns last week. “Last week, the Ministry of Environment issued a smoke advisory for Prince George,” Osei said in a media teleconference Monday. “Today, they issued one for Fort St. John.” Ralph Adams, an air quality meteorologist with the ministry, explained those advisories didn’t mean the problems were limited to those cities. “We only have monitors in the larger centres, so if you live in outlying areas, don’t assume you aren’t at risk. During the forest fire season, periods of smoke are to be expected, but in this case, it’s becoming dangerous.” Osei said the latest predictions were for continued high temperatures over the next few days, with high humidex readings as well. “The biggest thing to remember,” he said, “is life will go on. You have to know your limits if you have a physical condition which could be affected by the heat and smoke.” He said there were a few major groups of concern. “The beginning and the end age groups, the young and the old. Those people, and those with underlying conditions, such as lung problems. We’re also asking people to check on vulnerable people in their neighbourhood. If you know
Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Isaiah Stevenson, 10, beats the heat Saturday with a waterslide ride – one of several children’s activities at a neighbourhood barbecue held at the Milburn Community Garden. The family event was hosted by the local RCMP Community Policing Section as a way to provide a fun-filled afternoon and to invite suggestions for making the VLR area safer.
the person next door has a respiratory problem, check on them every once in a while to
make sure there are no problems.” And while temperatures in
Prince George are forecast to cool off for the weekend, by the middle of next week, they could be back in the high-20s. To protect you and your family from heat illness, keep the following in mind: • Watch or listen for humidex reports issued by Environment Canada. • Drink lots of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty; avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. • Avoid strenuous activity during mid-day when the temperature is at its peak. • Avoid going out in the blazing sun. If you must go out, stay in the shade or wear a hat. • Apply a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more for short trips outside. Upgrade to SPF 30 if you’ll be spending long periods in direct sun. • Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, using waterproof sunscreen if you sweat heavily or plan to swim. • Use a fan to bring in cooler air from outside. • Check on relatives, friends and neighbors who live alone, have difficulty caring for themselves, or are immobile to ensure they aren’t suffering from the heat. • Never leave infants, small children or pets in a parked car. • Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see any medication you might take put you at higher risk for developing heat-related illness. For more information on heat-related health issues, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, call 8-1-1 for health advice 24/7, or visit www. healthlinkbc.ca.
Pedestrian injured on Tuesday afternoon The Prince George RCMP are investigating a motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian late Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Prince George RCMP received a report of a serious pedestrian motor vehicle incident on 15th Avenue, near the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC). The adult female pedestrian was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The incident is currently under investigation by Prince George RCMP’s Municipal Traffic Section in conjunction with the provincial North District RCMP Traffic Services Section. If you witnessed this collision or have any information, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)5613300.
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River Point Shopping Centre 2324 Ferry Avenue, Prince George