Three tips to protect yourself from wildfire smoke
Stay safe and healthy when air quality is poor
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe in many parts of the country, especially in the summer. When these fires burn, they release harmful particles and pollutants into the air, contributing to poor air quality. Wildfire smoke can be harmful, and certain groups are more vulnerable to its effects, including people with respiratory conditions, children, older adults, and those who are pregnant. By taking simple steps, you can minimize your exposure to wildfire smoke and stay healthy.
Stay informed
The best way to know if the air quality is safe is to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) using AirNow.gov. The AQI translates real time air quality data into numbers and colors to help you make informed decisions about your outdoor activities. You can enter your zip code or city name to see the AQI for your location. Many smartphone weather apps also share AQI data.
Reduce exposure
When air quality is poor, follow these tips to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
- Reduce intense outdoor physical activity.
- To reduce indoor air pollution, refrain from smoking indoors, vacuuming, using wood stoves or fireplaces and frying food.
- Use central air conditioners or heaters to filter the air. A home’s heater or air conditioner set to the fan mode may be able to filter out some particles by re-circulating the indoor air through the filter.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA (PM2.5) filters to remove fine particles from the air.
- When driving, keep windows closed, run the air conditioner, and set the air to recirculate to reduce smoke.
- If you need to go outside, wear a disposable respirator mask rated N95 or higher to inhale less pollution.
Manage respiratory conditions
If you have a respiratory condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), take extra precautions:
- Make sure you have necessary medications on hand and follow your action plan. You may be able to get early refills of most medications during states of emergency.
- Follow Environmental Protection Agency advice for managing indoor air quality.
- Consider temporary relocation, if possible, until air quality improves.
- Call 911 if you experience severe difficulty breathing.
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