Wildfire season poses significant challenges to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. As smoke and ash fill the air, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to keep your indoor environment safe. Here are some practical tips to ensure the air inside your home remains as clean and healthy as possible during wildfire season:
Keep Windows and Doors Closed
First and foremost, ensure that all windows and doors are tightly sealed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use weather stripping if necessary to seal any gaps. Using damp towels or other barriers at the base of doors and windows can help block out smoke. Plastic sheeting can also be used to seal off rooms from smoky areas of the home.
Create a “Clean Room”
Designate a specific room in your home as a clean room where you can spend most of your time. Equip it with an air purifier and ensure it is well-sealed against smoke infiltration. Additionally, limit the use of candles, gas stoves, and fireplaces, as they can add to indoor air pollution. Avoid vacuuming unless you have a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, as it can stir up settled particles.
Use Air Purifiers
If you have an air conditioning system, use it to filter and circulate air within your home. Make sure the filter is clean and consider upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC filter, with the highest MERV rating your system can accommodate. Avoid using the “fresh air” intake setting, which can draw smoky air from outside. Staying informed about local air quality by using apps or websites that provide real-time updates can help you decide when to take extra precautions or temporarily relocate if necessary. Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov)
Regularly Clean Your Home
Regularly clean your home by wiping down surfaces to remove settled dust and particles. Use damp cloths or mops to prevent kicking up dust into the air.
Prepare for Physical Well-being
Be ready by having an emergency kit ready with essential supplies, including masks, bottled water, and first aid materials, can be crucial if the air quality deteriorates rapidly or if evacuation becomes necessary. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is essential, as this can help your body cope with the effects of smoke inhalation. Consider wearing N95 masks indoors if the air quality becomes extremely poor and you need to move around the house.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality during wildfire season, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for you and your family. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take proactive measures to protect your home from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
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