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What Detroiters should know about hazardous air quality
To residents of the City of Detroit,
Detroit residents are urged to limit time outdoors as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to create dangerous air-quality conditions across the city. Recreation centers are open as respite locations and are distributing free masks.
The City of Detroit is coordinating a citywide response after air-quality readings reached hazardous levels in parts of Detroit, creating health risks for everyone, not only residents with existing medical conditions.
Detroit’s air quality index, or AQI, climbed above 300, the level considered hazardous for the entire population. Some areas recorded readings above 600, according to City health officials.
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How the City is responding to dangerous air quality
 The City’s coordinated response includes:
- Opening recreation centers as respite locations
- Distributing masks at recreation centers, transit locations, shelters and through neighborhood outreach teams
- Conducting wellness checks at senior buildings and among vulnerable residents
- Supporting emergency shelters and street-outreach providers
- Canceling outdoor City events and programming
- Directing nonessential City employees to work remotely
- Providing protective masks to essential employees
- Monitoring air quality, weather conditions, EMS calls and hospital reports
- Issuing emergency notifications through Detroit Alerts 365 and the Wireless Emergency Alert system
Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other essential employees remain on duty throughout the response.
Air quality can change quickly based on wildfire activity and wind patterns. Residents should continue following official City updates, take alerts seriously and remain cautious even if outdoor conditions appear to improve.
“Detroit is experiencing the most significant effects from the wildfires and we strongly encourage all residents to take this issue seriously and take proper precautions,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “We strongly urge Detroiters to follow the guidance of our Health Department and limit outdoor activity. If you are outdoors and need relief, you can visit any one of our active respite locations, which include recreation centers and libraries.”
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How to protect yourself and your family
- Stay indoors and limit outdoor activity whenever possible.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Wear a protective mask if you must go outside.
- Avoid strenuous activity outdoors.
- Run an air purifier if you have one.
- Set central air-conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air, when possible.
- Keep necessary medications nearby, especially if you have asthma, COPD or another chronic condition.
- Check on older adults, neighbors and people who live alone.
Seek medical help if you experience serious difficulty breathing or worsening respiratory symptoms.
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Free masks and respite locations
 All City of Detroit recreation centers are available as respite locations for residents who need a place to get away from the smoke. Free masks are available at recreation centers and select transit locations.
The City is also distributing masks, conducting wellness checks at senior buildings and helping vulnerable residents who may not be able to reach a recreation center.
Residents experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity can call the Detroit Housing Resource Helpline at 866-313-2520 for assistance.
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Canceled events and emergency alerts
The City has canceled outdoor events and Occupy the Summer programming during the immediate response period. Additional activities will be evaluated as air-quality conditions change.
Continue monitoring official City updates and Detroit Alerts 365. Air quality can change quickly, so residents should remain cautious even if conditions appear to improve.
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