Wildfires not only cause extensive damage to forests and property, but they can also seriously impact health.  The smoky and ashy conditions during wildfires pose health risks for everyone, especially for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung diseases. While the impact from wildfires is most acute close to the source, smoke can travel 1000s of miles, so don't take your air quality for granted no matter where you live.  While you will not be able to control what is going on outside, there are things you can do to keep your indoor air as clean as possible.

We want to make sure you and your family stay healthy indoors and outdoors.




If you are able to stay in your home, keep indoor air as clean as possible:

DIY an air cleaner!  For about  $50, you can easily assemble a great (and portable) air purifier to help filter the air indoors.  To minimize the odor from smoke, add a charcoal filter on the outside of the MERV13 filter.  Charcoal filters should be replaced monthly, or sooner if you start to notice the odor returning.  For more info and directions visit: www.haywardscore.com/articles/boxfan.

I

If you have to go outdoors, the face covering you are normally wearing for COVID-19 will offer some protection from wildfire smoke.  Better protection would come from a particulate respirator rated N-95 or higher (which can be a challenge to find).  They should have two separate straps that go completely around your head and an adjustable nose piece. if you have existing lung or heart issues you may need a different type of mask, so check with your doctor.  Paper "dust" masks DO NOT provide protection against smoke.

For more information: