Preparing for SMOKE this Wildfire Season

WASHINGTON -- Each year, fire and smoke from wildfires affect millions of people across the United States. As we enter wildfire season, the EPA and U.S. Forest Services recommend taking steps now to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for SMOKE.

During a wildfire, smoke can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe. Local officials may advise you to stay indoors when these events happen. You should be aware that some of the smoke from outdoors can enter your home and make the air indoors unhealthy to breathe.

Being prepared to reduce wildfire smoke exposure indoors is important, especially for those who are at greatest risk of health impacts, including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.

Below are several steps you can take now to protect your family from wildfire smoke:
S - Stay informed
M - Minimize exposure
O - Optimize your system
K - Keep supplies on hand
E - Establish a clean room                     

S - Stay informed: The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, developed by EPA and the U.S. Forest Service, provides information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality, smoke outlooks and actions people can take to protect their health.

EPA's new Wildfires web area highlights the important work the agency is doing to help communities across the country prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildland fire smoke events. The web area features:
•     Information about smoke and public health impacts.
•     Answers to frequently asked questions about wildland fire smoke.
•     Actions individuals and communities can take to be smoke ready to reduce smoke exposure.
•     A wildland fire resource directory that links to over 60 EPA products about wildland fire smoke and public health.

Learn more about wildfires and indoor air quality and the impacts wildfire smoke can have in homes, schools and commercial buildings. Find guidance and resources on preparing for wildfire smoke events.

M - Minimize exposure: Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency HVAC filter to filter particles from smoke out of the air.
•     If you decide to purchase a portable air cleaner, choose one that is sized for the room in which you will use it. Make sure the portable air cleaner does not produce ozone.
•     If you cannot get a portable air cleaner with a known clean air delivery rate (CADR), you may choose to use a do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaner. Learn how to build a DIY air cleaner that can be used during wildfires and other emergencies.                       
•     If you decide to purchase a high-efficiency HVAC filter, choose one with a MERV 13 rating, or as high a rating as your system fan and filter slot can accommodate. You may need to consult a professional HVAC technician to determine the highest efficiency filter that will work best for your system.

O - Optimize your system: Know how to adjust your HVAC system or air conditioner to keep smoke out
Get to know your HVAC system or air conditioner, if you have one, so you can adjust it to help keep smoke out of your home. Visit EPA's Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality webpage to learn what to do if you have any of the following:
•     Central HVAC system
•     Evaporative cooler
•     Window air conditioner
•     Portable air conditioner

K - Keep supplies on hand: Gather emergency supplies, including extra air filters and N95 respirators. You can often purchase N95 respirators in hardware stores or pharmacies. The Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke or Ash fact sheet and this infographic will help you choose the correct mask and wear it effectively.

Have at least a 5-day supply of food and medication on hand. Buy groceries that do not need to be refrigerated or cooked because cooking can add to indoor air pollution.

Talk to your health care provider about what to do if you have heart or lung disease. If you have asthma, make sure you have an asthma action plan.

E - Establish a clean room: A clean room is set up to keep levels of smoke and other particles as low as possible during wildfire smoke events. It should be free from activities that create particles, such as cooking or smoking, and the doors and windows should be kept closed to prevent smoke from getting inside. A clean room can also contain a portable air cleaner that makes the air in the room cleaner than the rest of the home.

The EPA’s How to Create a Clean Room at Home fact sheet provides more information about setting up a clean room.

Learn more about what to do before, during and after a wildfire smoke event to ensure your family is protected from exposure to smoke and ash indoors.

For more information, go to www.epa.gov or www.fs.usda.org.