Health threat from wildfire smoke
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, bitter brush, sage, grasses, and other plant materials. Smoke can cause difficulty in breathing, red watery eyes, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

How to tell if smoke is affecting you
Smoke can cause

• Coughing

• A scratchy throat

• Irritated sinuses

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Headaches

• Stinging eyes

• A runny nose

• Asthma symptoms worsen

If you have heart, lung disease, diabetes or are a stoke victim smoke might make your symptoms worse.

People who have heart disease might experience

• Chest pain

• Rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) shown by the:

• Inability to breathe normally

• Cough with or without mucus

• Tightening of the Chest and discomfort

• Wheezing and shortness of breath

When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people can experience some of these symptoms.

Psychological effects on children
It is important to keep in mind that children can easily become saturated with graphic pictorial images, and hear stories pertaining to smoke, flames and destruc-tion. Resulting stress and anxiety may be manifested in a variety of ways, depending on the developmental stage of the individual child:

• Clinging, fears

• Uncooperative behavior, irritability

• Nightmares

• Physical complaints

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Regression

• Indifference

Parents and caregivers can support children in several ways:

• Maintain previously established routines and structure as much as possible

• Provided an open door and a listening ear for children; encourage the expression of feelings through variety of pathways, e.g., ,music, art, journaling, talking.

Know whether you are at risk
If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema, or asthma, you are at higher risk of having health problems than healthy people.

Sensitive Groups include people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Elders are more likely to be affected by smoke possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people.

Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.

To prepare for emergencies we should all have an Go Kit packed and ready. Wildfires are the most pressing emergency we face. The threat comes from the fire over running your home and the smoke emitted. This Emergency Go Kit guidance will help prepare for an evacuation when time is critical.

Your emergency go kit should have everything your family needs to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Check your emergency go kit every six months. Refresh your water supply, and replace items close to their expiration date. For a complete list of item for the kit you can download the PDF

Masks for Smoky Conditions

Choosing the proper particulate mask to protect you from the adverse effects of wildfire smoke is critical.  Only masks with NIOSH and N95 or N100 printed on them are classed as particulate respirators and filter out smoke.  Particulate masks come in many sizes, shape and colors so it is important to verify the N95 rating before using.

A proper fit is essential for making the mask work, so follow these guidelines:

• Choose masks with two straps that are placed above and below the ears.  Masks with one strap or hooks over the ears are convenient but do not provide the seal needed

• Choose a size that fits over your nose and under the chin for a tight seal

• Some masks have a metal tab across the nose that can be adjusted by gently press down.  Other masks provide a foam pieces to create a seal

Use a new mask daily or when it gets harder to breathe through.  If the inside becomes dirty replace the mask immediately.  If you become dizzy or nauseated find a less smoky location and remove your mask then seek medical advice. 

If you have a respiratory condition or heart problems please contact your health care provider before utilizing these masks.

Examples of N95 Masks available during this emergency situation:

Masks for Smoky Conditions PDF

Video link of how to use a box fan filter

Print flyer of Box Fan and Filter Instruction Guide To Decreasing Smoke in Your Home PDF