It's time to get ready for wildfire smoke!

Welcome to June! It is time to start thinking about getting Smoke Ready. Preparing now means less stress when smoke comes.

We’ll be posting throughout the week on Smoke Ready topics. Today, we’ll focus on the risks of smoke exposure and how to protect yourself. Here are key steps to take:

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

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. 

Prepare for wildfire smoke

The best time to prepare for wildfire smoke is now. Here are some steps you can take:

• Know how to monitor the air quality. Start with the current and forecasted air quality on the top of this page and learn more about the air quality index.
• For people with lung and heart conditions, talk with your medical provider to make a plan.
• Gather supplies to filter your indoor air and protect yourself, such as portable air cleaners, HVAC filters, supplies for do-it-yourself box fan filters, and N95 masks.

During wildfire smoke

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

• Stay inside with cleaner indoor air: 
• Filter indoor air with a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter, a box fan filter, or your HVAC system set to recirculate.
• Close windows and doors unless it’s too hot to maintain safe temperatures.
• Pay attention to symptoms and seek medical help if needed.
• If you must go outside, wear a well-fitting N95 mask, 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. Learn more about Coping with the Stress of Wildfire Smoke (PDF).

For more information on how to protect yourself, visit DOH’s Smoke from Fires page and Smoke Ready Spokane's checklist.