Smoke Ready Week is now through June 16

OLYMPIA – As our climate changes, the threat of wildfires looms larger. The Washington state Department of Health is urging the public to prepare for smoke that can make air unhealthy to breathe. Smoke Ready Week, June 12-16, is an opportunity to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family.

“We are expecting to have above normal fire activity in Washington by July,” said Kaitlyn Kelly, MPH, air quality policy specialist, DOH. “We have an outlook for below normal precipitation and that’s going to last into fall, so conditions are trending to a long fire season.”

Reduce exposure to smoke by staying up to date on the forecast and air quality index, limiting time outside and keeping indoor air as clean as possible. After several days smoke can enter homes and buildings through leaky gaps in windows and doors. Filtering indoor air will benefit your health. Prepare by buying supplies in advance.

Filter indoor air by using a:

• HVAC system with MERV 13 filter.

• HEPA portable air cleaner.

• DIY box fan filter.

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles and gases including carbon monoxide. Exposure to smoke can cause a number of health problems ranging from minor to severe. Those with pre-existing conditions, infants and children, pregnant individuals, adults 65 and older and people with heart and lung disease can be most sensitive to wildfire smoke. Minor symptoms include headaches, stinging eyes, runny nose and trouble breathing.

The WA Smoke Blog has updates on wildfires, air quality, the forecast and health information. The DOH’s Smoke from Fires webpage has information for protection from wildfire smoke: doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/air-quality

Source: WA DOH