(WWJ) The extremely poor air quality due to wildfire smoke from Canada is prompting the cancellation of several events across Southeast Michigan on Thursday.
Here's a rundown of some of these announcements. **Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and as the air situation may worsen, it's a good idea to call ahead before you head out to an outdoor event or activity.
- The Henry Ford announced that Greenfield Village will be closed on July 16, "to protect the health and safety of our guests and team members." (The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and Giant Screen Experience are open).
- Habitat for Humanity announced it is rescheduling its Rock the Block event in Pontiac.
- All food service and programs along the Detroit Riverfront are called off for the day, and the Cullen Carousel is closed.
- The City of Livonia has closed the outdoor pools at Clements Circle Splash Park and Botsford Pool. All outdoor swim lessons are canceled. (The indoor pools at Kirksey recreation Center will be open.)
- The City of Westland has canceled the Westland Farmers & Artisans Market scheduled for Thursday.
- In Sterling Heights, Dodge Park Thursdays is cancelled for tonight including Farmers Market, Patios 'n' Pints and Music in the Park.
- In Royal Oak, the Normandy Oaks splashpad will be closed Thursday, and all Royal Oak Parks & Recreation outdoor programming scheduled for the day cancelled.
- Boyne Mountain Resort announced closures Thursday due to heavy wildfire smoke in the area. This includes SkyBridge Michigan, the Eagle's Nest, Zipline, and Scenic Lift.
This comes as air quality alerts have been issued for millions of people across Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
AccuWeather said Thursday that the Detroit area has some of the worst air quality in the world, while doctors warn that even healthy adults will be impacted by the hazardous air quality.
Wayne County Public Health is urging residents to take precautions.
“Wildfire smoke at these levels is unhealthy for everyone, and the added heat can place even greater stress on the body,” said Dr. Avani Sheth, Chief Medical Health Officer for Wayne County Health, Human & Veterans Services. “The best way to protect yourself today is to stay indoors in air conditioning, keep windows closed, reduce outdoor activity, and check the Air Quality Index before going outside.”
Warm temperatures are also expected today. The combination of heat and wildfire smoke can place additional stress on the body, particularly for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible and keep activity levels low.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Run air conditioning with MERV 13 or higher filters, if available. Learn more about adjusting your air conditioner at EPA Indoor Air Quality. If you do not have air conditioning, seek relief at a cooling center or another air-conditioned public location.
- Wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask when spending time outdoors.
- Move indoors immediately if you experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or burning of the eyes, nose, or throat. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
READ MORE: Hazardous air quality in Metro Detroit as smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfs Michigan
