‘Smoke Ready Week,’ June 12-16, is the perfect time to prepare for unhealthy air
The threat of wildfires looms every year. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to prepare now for smoke that can make air unhealthy to breathe. Smoke Ready Week, observed 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.”
When smoke arrives it’s important to reduce exposure 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. Having a way to filter indoor air will benefit your health. It’s key to buy supplies in advance because they often sell out quickly when it’s smoky out.
Filter indoor air by using a:
- HVAC system with MERV 13 filter.
- HEPA portable air cleaner.
- DIY box fan filter.
“We no longer have smoke-free summers in Washington,” said Kelly. “It’s important to know what is in wildfire smoke and why it can be bad for your health.”
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles and gasses 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 can include headaches, stinging eyes, runny nose, and trouble breathing.
You can stay updated on wildfires, air quality, the forecast, and health information on the WA Smoke Blog. For more information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, visit the DOH’s Smoke from Fires webpage.
The DOH website is a source for a healthy dose of information. Find it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.
Also read:
- High school football: Nikko Speer’s exceptional ability at multiple positions a big key for Camas
Camas star Nikko Speer shines as linebacker and tight end, key to Papermakers’ state playoff run. - DOGE: Examples of federal spending that could be on the chopping block
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, targeting controversial federal spending. - Washington auditor finds $1.9M in ‘double dip’ unemployment/paid leave payouts
Washington State Auditor finds $9 million in double-dipping unemployment and paid leave claims by the Employment Security Department. - Opinion: WA state wants to increase bureaucrats’ salaries by $1.3 billion despite claims the state is facing a budget shortfallWashington state plans a $1.3 billion bureaucrat salary increase despite facing a significant budget shortfall.
- Area races appear headed for an automatic recountSeveral local races in Clark County head toward automatic recounts as vote counts remain close.
- Hockinson School District hosts Journey tribute band for community benefit concert Dec. 5Hockinson School District hosts a Journey tribute concert Dec. 5, supporting local families through a canned food drive.
- Expect nighttime delays on southbound I-5 near Woodland, Nov. 19Expect delays on southbound I-5 near Woodland on Nov. 19 for lane repairs improving driving safety on the North Fork Lewis River Bridge.
