It’s time to get Smoke Ready!

Now is the time to get #SmokeReady! Things are heating up in the PNW, and with the excitement of warm weather comes the threat of wildfires. Cities across the Midwest and Northeast are already suffering the effects of wildfire smoke from Canada, reminding us to prepare for a season of smoky air here in Washington.

Preparing early means less stress when the smoke hits. So, how can you make sure you’re #SmokeReady?

S – Stay Informed
M – Minimize Exposure
O – Optimize Your Air
K – Keep a Plan
E – Ease Your Mind

We’ll be posting throughout the week on #SmokeReady topics. Today, we’ll focus on smoke impacts on health and how to prepare for when smoke arrives.

Smoke and your health

Inhaling wildfire smoke is harmful to our health. Anyone who breathes in smoke may experience symptoms, though children, adults over 65, pregnant people, and people with lung or heart conditions are at higher risk. Everyone reacts to smoke differently, and smoke impacts can occur at any level of smoke. Symptoms can include:

• Irritation of eye, nose, and throat
• Coughing, sore throat, headaches
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Worsening of existing conditions, with symptoms like asthma attacks, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat. 

How to prepare for wildfire smoke

The best time to prepare for wildfire smoke is before it’s in the forecast. Here are some steps you can take to plan ahead:

• For people with lung and heart conditions, talk with your medical provider to make a plan.
• Plan how you will clean your indoor air.
• Consider what supplies you might need, such as N95 masks, portable air cleaners, and HVAC filters. These items are often in short supply after smoke arrives.

When there is wildfire smoke, take the following steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Stay inside with cleaner indoor air: 
• Close windows and doors unless it’s too hot to maintain safe temperatures.
• Avoid activities that add to indoor air pollution, such as smoking or burning candles.
• Filter indoor air with a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter, a box fan filter, or your HVAC system set to recirculate.
• If you are not able to maintain cleaner air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air.
• Pay attention to symptoms and seek medical help if needed.
• If you must go outside, wear a well-fitting N95mask, limit physical exertion, and stay hydrated. 
• Local health departments and fire districts are great resources for finding wildfire and cleaner air shelters.

Wildfires and smoke events aren’t just dangerous, they’re also stressful and frightening – especially to those without a close support network. Check in on your neighbors and people in your community before and during a smoke event.

Creating a support network in your community will help everyone manage the stress, anxiety, and health risks of wildfire season. Make sure to take care of your own mental health by seeking out activities that keep you calm and grounded.

For more information on how to protect yourself, visit DOH’s Smoke from Fires page.