ALPENA — The City of Alpena and Alpena County are partnering to provide free N95 masks to residents as wildfire smoke continues to affect air quality across northern Michigan, according to a press release on Friday.

Masks are available in the lobbies of the following locations:

– Alpena Public Safety Facility

– Alpena County Sheriff’s Office

Residents are asked to take no more than two masks per person while supplies last.

The City reminds residents that masks are beyond the manufacturer’s recommended shelf-life date but remain unopened in their original packaging. Residents should inspect each mask before use and discard it if the straps, nosepiece, or other materials appear damaged or deteriorated.

District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) is urging residents to take precautions as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect the region. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can pose health risks, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or respiratory conditions.

Residents are encouraged to:

– Limit time and strenuous activity outdoors.

– Keep windows and doors closed when possible.

– Use air conditioning or an air purifier to improve indoor air quality.

– Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator when outdoor activity cannot be avoided.

– Monitor local air-quality conditions and follow public health recommendations.

Anyone experiencing severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or other serious symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, according to the release. A properly fitted N95 can help reduce exposure to particles in wildfire smoke, although remaining indoors is recommended.