Thursday morning, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference focusing on the current air quality situation being caused from wildfires in Quebec.

During the virtual press conference, Gillibrand called on the United States Forest Service to fulfill any requests for help from Canada to fight the fires. New York is currently experiencing the worst air quality in recorded history.

“As I continue to advocate for these actions in Congress, there are steps we can take right now to keep us and our loved ones safe,” Gillibrand said. “City officials have recommended that people do their best to stay indoors, or to wear high quality masks, such as N95s or KN95s. This is especially important for those with heart or lung conditions, and it is important for vulnerable populations such as older Americans, young children, pregnant people and those with respiratory problems like asthma.”

Gillibrand emphasized staying indoors with doors and windows closed, using fans or air conditioners to stay cool if needed. She also recommended putting up portable air filters to help keep the air clean. Gillibrand said it is recommended to avoid doing activities that will spread more of the PM 2.5 particle, such as smoking or burning candles, and to avoid strenuous activity to lower how much may be inhaled.

“If you should begin to experience any negative effects, seek medical treatment immediately,” Gillibrand said. “Common symptoms of smoke inhalation include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, chest pain, stinging eyes, headaches, running nose, tiredness and fast heartbeat.”

Gillibrand said employers should allow employees to work from home if coming to work would expose them more to the smoke. While it is a concerning time for New Yorkers, Gillibrand said if residents remain vigilant and follow safety protocols they can protect each other and their families.

Additionally, Gillibrand wished to be clear on the role of climate change in the current situation. “Year after year, we are seeing record-setting heat waves, which in turn are sparking record-setting wildfires in places like California, Australia and Canada,” Gillibrand said. “As the impacts of climate change make wildfires and weather events like this one more common, it is incumbent on all of us to protect one another and do what we can to mitigate the damage.”

During the following question and answer section, Gillibrand said the United States has been helping to fight the fires in any way possible, including sending a few people to help lead groups that are working on fighting the fires. Gillibrand said she has not heard anything about how fast it is expected to get the fires under control, as the Senate has not been briefed by the Canadian government.

Gillibrand thanked New Yorkers for their cooperation during this time.