Tips to Protect Your Lung Health

Tips and Practices to Keep Your Lungs Safe from Smoke and Ash from Wildfires

When our region experiences fire, smoke and ash reach far beyond the fire’s footprint; we’d like to remind you of some best practices to help reduce exposure to smoke and ash:

• Keep children and pets indoors as much as possible
• If possible, keep your windows closed and run a HEPA air purifier in your home. Move the HEPA air purifier into your sleep space at night.
• Before going out, check the air quality at airnow.gov or purpleair.com
• If you must go out, protect your lungs with a mask – N95 or N100 are recommended. (Please note that an N95 mask with a valve to aide exhalation is not recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.)
• When you return home, remove your shoes before entering your home and change your clothes and put them in the laundry
• Before going to bed, remove your day clothes, bathe or shower and wash your hair thoroughly to remove ash

Even when the air has cleared, you’ll want to take care of lingering toxics. Here are some best practices for cleaning smoke and ash in your home and car:

• Sweep and vacuum often. Vacuum floors and fabric furniture well and often (HEPA vacuum recommended).
• Wet mop hard floors and wet dust surfaces to remove ash and dust, then clean with an all-natural cleaning solution. Microfiber cloths are best for collecting ash and dust.
• Avoid toxic cleaners (such as bleach) as they can further compromise your lungs and health.
• After the fires are out, replace the air filters in your home and car.

For additional tips, visit www.dailyacts.org and check out this great Wildfire Resource Guide.