‘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:
- Clark County Republican Party primary performance praised by WAGOP chairman
Clark County Republican Party primary performance praised by WAGOP Chairman Jim Walsh for strategic success and candidate endorsements. - More questions than answers in quiet attempt to invalidate WA initiativesWashington Supreme Court’s recent rulings on voter initiatives left supporters shocked, revealing legal challenges they were unaware of until hours before the decisions.
- Opinion: ‘No on I-2117’ claim that taxes don’t increase prices again contradicted by Inslee Administration’s own statementsOpinion: Todd Myers argues against the CO2 tax, stating that it increases energy prices, contradicting claims from the No on I-2117 campaign.
- County to upgrade the Gaiser Middle School Park in mid-August
Clark County Public Works to upgrade Gaiser Middle School Park starting mid-August, with completion expected by November. - Kris Swanson officially approved as Battle Ground’s new city managerKris Swanson officially approved as Battle Ground’s new city manager after serving as interim since April.
- Two juveniles taken Into custody after incident at Orchards ParkTwo juveniles were taken into custody at Orchards Park after an incident involving firearms.
- TriMet’s ‘A Better Red’ line extension nears completionTriMet’s ‘A Better Red’ MAX line extension nears completion, improving service to Washington County and PDX Airport.
