County approves emergency plan including protection against wildfire smoke
This past summer residents of Essex County experienced somewhat of a rare occurrence – poor air quality due to wildfire smoke.
While the Windsor-Essex Health Unit (WECHU) was able to provide a lot of guidance in how to stay safe, the county itself has gone one step further.
The Emergency Management Plan came up for its annual review and adoption at the Oct. 7 meeting and the 2026 version included how to handle wildfire smoke in the air. How to prepare was always in the plan but this year there was more focus.
“Overall, this year’s review reflects continuing improvements. There are no major structural changes to the program but several targeted updates have been made to strengthen preparedness,” explained manager of corporate health and safety Brady Boghean.
The plan includes several components including flood management, hazard identification and risk assessment, critical infrastructure list, a nuclear management plan, extreme air temperature and air quality and an infectious disease management plan.
Essex County’s plan is detailed and includes what each of the various groups such as fire, police, medical, the county and health unit is responsible for in case of an emergency.
“It strengthens the county’s ability to support local municipalities’ residents during emergencies,” said Boghean of the overall plan.
As far as when smoke appears due to wildfires, the plan increases situational awareness and communicates health protection measures to staff, municipal partners and the public.
So what to do when the region is blanked with smoke?
The plan recommends the following tips: limit strenuous outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, use air-conditioning in recirculation mode, checking on vulnerable family members, and considering the use of an N95 respirator.
“Emergency management is much more than responding to disasters. It includes prevention.”
This year’s review also included assessment and analysis of legacy oil and gas wells in regard to those that are abandoned or inactive.
County approves emergency plan including protection against wildfire smoke
By Fred Groves
Comments