We expect during fire season, smoke will change some of our daily routines. When air quality diminishes, reduce the amount of time spent outside and, for people who are most sensitive, shorten time spent outside even more or, have a movie and game day inside. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.
Local indoor entertainment places, museums, gyms, libraries and community buildings could offer a fun alternative to staying home. Smokewise Ashland has placed outdoor air quality monitors around the community and even in some buildings to help you see where the air is cleanest.
To keep your family healthy throughout the season, www.SmokewiseAshland.org is where you can get tips on how to be more ready!
Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
- Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
- Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
- When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
- If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.
Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.
Here are some steps you can take immediately:
1) Order portable air cleaners, replacement filters, and filters for your cooling system before the cost increases.
2) Seal areas around your home where smoke may enter (low cost options are available at local hardware stores).
Here are some additional ways to monitor air quality: