How to Stay Safe from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can affect the health and safety individuals and their pets, even when living or traveling far from the source of the blaze.

Top Safety Tips for Wildfire Smoke Protection

The CDC’s top safety tip for wildfire smoke protection is to check your local air quality by tracking Air Quality Index, as well as listening to the recommendations of local emergency management officials.

Reducing Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

• Choose a room to close off from outside air, and if possible, set up a portable air filter in it
• Avoid burning anything indoors
• Central air conditioning should be set it to high-efficiency filters labeled “HEPA” or MERV 13
• If you have to go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask with two straps that will filter out smoke when you breathe

Symptoms of Breathing in Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can cause coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, irritated sinuses, headaches, chest pain and more

Who is Most at Risk from Wildfire Smoke?

Multiple studies suggest young children, especially those under the age of 4, are at high-risk when the Air Quality Index goes above 100.

Additionally, women who are pregnant and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are at high risk.

How Does Wildfire Smoke Impact Pets?

Keep your pets in the room with you, and call your vet if they have the following: coughing or gagging, red or watery eyes, nasal discharge, trouble breathing, fatigue or weakness, disorientation or reduced appetite or thirst.

Animals with heart or lung disease and older pets are especially at risk from smoke, as well as pet birds.

Conclusion

Wildfire smoke can pose a significant threat to human health and safety, as well as the health of pets. By following the top safety tips outlined in this article, you can reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke and minimize its impact on your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the symptoms of breathing in wildfire smoke? A: Wildfire smoke can cause coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, irritated sinuses, headaches, chest pain and more.

Q: Who is most at risk from wildfire smoke? A: Young children under the age of 4, women who are pregnant, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are at high risk.

Q: How does wildfire smoke impact pets? A: Pets can experience coughing or gagging, red or watery eyes, nasal discharge, trouble breathing, fatigue or weakness, disorientation or reduced appetite or thirst due to exposure to wildfire smoke. Animals with heart or lung disease and older pets are especially at risk.