How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
Most at risk include children, elderly, those with lung issues
Most at risk include children, elderly, those with lung issues
Wildfires used to be seasonal, but now they are a year-round threat. They leave behind burned land and harmful air pollution. While images of flames dominate news coverage, the invisible dangers of wildfire smoke often go overlooked.
It is important to know how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Smoke from these fires can cause serious health issues, especially for those who are vulnerable.
“Protecting your health and the health of your family is paramount,” says Shazia Jamil, MD, a pulmonologist, critical care specialist at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines and chair of the Late Breaking Education Committee of the American Thoracic Society. “Wildfire smoke is a dangerous mix of gases and fine particles. Breathing this in can harm your lungs and heart.”
Even short exposure to wildfire smoke can cause discomfort. You may cough, have a sore throat, or find it hard to breathe. Being around smoke for a long time can greatly increase health risks.
Who is most vulnerable?
Certain groups are more affected by wildfire smoke. Children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with lung diseases, such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis, and heart conditions are at higher risk. These groups should take extra precautions during smoky conditions.
Pets, too, need protection from harmful air. Keep them inside and create a safe, clean room for them to relax.
High-risk populations should remain vigilant during wildfire season. Ensuring protection for these high-risk populations requires careful attention and planning.
Dr. Jami co-authored with other national experts a wildfire disaster guidance published by the American Thoracic Society.
The guidance warns that breathing in smoke can lead to coughing and wheezing and can also irritate the throat. This can make people more likely to get lung infections, including COVID-19.
Eight tips to minimize exposure
Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke requires a combination of staying informed and taking preventive measures. Here are eight tips to help keep you safe and healthy.
1. Stay indoors
Staying indoors is key to reducing exposure to wildfire smoke. It minimizes contact with harmful particles.
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration. This simple step makes a significant difference. Also, avoid activities that worsen indoor pollution such as smoking, burning candles or using fireplaces.
2. Seal your home from smoke
Properly sealing your home further reduces smoke entry. Start by closing all windows and doors.
Check for gaps in windows and doors. Use weather stripping or sealants to close them tightly. Make sure vents and exhaust fans are also closed. This prevents smoke-laden air from coming inside.
3. Improve indoor air quality
Improving indoor air quality is important when there is wildfire smoke. You can set your heater or air conditioner to fan mode. This will recirculate the indoor air through the filter and remove some particles.
4. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
To improve indoor air quality, you need good air filtration. Strong filters can make a big difference.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly improve indoor air quality. They are good at removing tiny particles. They catch smoke particles that other filters might miss.
Choose air purifiers that suit your room size. They work best when tailored to the space they serve.
5. Limit physical activity
Avoid strenuous activities to reduce the amount of polluted air inhaled.
6. Wear an N95 mask
N95 masks are highly effective at filtering smoke particles. They offer better protection compared to cloth masks.
Ensure a snug fit to maximize their effectiveness. Loose masks do not provide adequate protection against smoke.
Use them especially when venturing outdoors during high smoke periods. N95 respirators offer reliable safety from airborne pollutants.
7. Monitor air quality
When dealing with wildfire smoke, be careful when going outside. Even a short time outdoors can harm your health. It’s important to know the air quality levels. Always check updates and advisories before you go out.
Websites like AirNow.gov give you current air quality information. This helps you plan your activities. The Air Quality Index (AQI) shows the current air conditions. It measures pollution levels in a simple way. Learn about the AQI scale. It helps you understand safe and unsafe outdoor activities based on air quality.
Stay indoors as much as possible when smoke is present. This reduces your exposure to harmful particles. If you need to go outside, pick times when the air quality is better. Wear an N95 mask for extra protection.
8. Consider evacuation
Consider evacuation to areas with better air quality. This means a lower air quality index. This is especially important if you have lung condition, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis, or other high-risk health issues.
Take evacuation orders by law enforcement seriously.
When to seek medical help
It’s important to know when you need medical help for wildfire smoke exposure. Symptoms like constant coughing, trouble breathing, chest pain or worsening asthma should not be ignored.
“Patients experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Timely care can prevent complications,” advises Dr. Jamil.
If you have lung disease like asthma or COPD, make sure you take your daily medications and inhalers.
Talk to your health care provider and discuss taking other medications or higher doses. This is important if you have symptoms or cannot avoid triggers. Patients on oxygen should not change their levels without asking their doctors.
Stay informed
Wildfires are happening more often and getting stronger. This increases the risk of smoke inhalation.
“Taking steps to reduce your exposure can protect your health. Remember, your lungs are vital for life — take care of them,” Dr. Jamil says.
Stay informed and take steps to protect yourself. For more help, check local health resources and community alerts. This will keep you safer during wildfires.
If you live in San Diego County:
- Register your cell phone or email with AlertSanDiego. This is the county’s notification system. You will receive warnings on your mobile phone.
- Download the emergency app, SDEmergencyApp. This app gives you emergency information, including updates on incidents, shelter locations, evacuation areas, and hazard zones.
- Watch local news or listen to local radio. The main Emergency Alert System stations for San Diego County are KOGO AM 600 and KLSD AM 1360.