How to Minimize your Exposure to Wildfire Smoke
When wildfires impact the air quality in New York State, it’s
important to stay mindful of the impact and risks.
Here are some simple tips to help minimize your exposure to
wildfire smoke and to keep the air in your home and vehicle clean.
Regularly Monitor Air Quality
Keep up to date with your community’s air quality by checking your local
weather report, your phone’s weather app, or by visiting the Air Quality Index AQI. This
Index is color-coded to help easily guide your activities and
preparedness.
Avoid Outdoor Activities
If the air quality index is within unhealthy levels, follow authority
guidelines to stay inside as much as possible – whether at home, at school, or
at work.
Close Windows and Doors
Seal your home as best as possible by keeping all windows and doors closed
to prevent smoke from entering. Weather stripping or towels can help block
gaps. Unless your whole-house fan or window air conditioners have a HEPA
filter, avoid using them, as they can bring the smoky air inside.
Adjust Your Home and Vehicle Air Conditioner Settings
If you have an air conditioner, be sure it’s set to recirculate the indoor air,
rather than pulling in smoke from outside. Keep the windows closed in your
vehicle and use the recirculation setting on the A/C system to avoid drawing in
the outside air while you drive.
For longer trips in your vehicle, try to take breaks in
areas with better air quality as much as possible.
Establish a ‘Clean Air Room’
It may be impossible to keep your entire home “smoke free.” Try to
designate one room as a “clean air room”, preferably one with minimal windows
and doors. Set up a HEPA air purifier. Spend most of your time in this room during
periods of unhealthy air-quality levels.
Avoid Indoor Air Pollution
Burning candles and incense, smoking, or using a gas stove can degrade your
indoor air quality and make it more hazardous for you, your family, and your
pets. Try to avoid these activities until you can safely let in outdoor air.
Take Care of Your Health
It is important to take care of your health, but it’s especially important
during periods of poor air quality. If you need to go outside, consider wearing
a N95 respirator or KN95 mask, which are effective at reducing exposure to
harmful particles from wildfire smoke. Stay hydrated to keep your lungs and
airways moist. If you have asthma or other pre-existing conditions, keep your
medications handy, and reach out to your healthcare provider if you are feeling
unwell.
Now that you are prepared to minimize your risk
to wildfire smoke, check out the link below to learn how to get fresh air when
living in a small space.
