How to Protect Your Home and Loved Ones from Wildfire Smoke
Year after year, wildfire smoke impacts millions of people around the country, and because our climate is getting hotter and dryer, wildfire season is getting longer. With wildfire seasons ramping up each year, so is the amount of smoke that is produced. Wildfire smoke doesn’t just settle in the areas where the fires occur, the smoke travels for miles and can ultimately end up in your home. While smoke from forests is harmful, smoke from burning homes, buildings, automobiles, and gas stations contains dangerous gases, fine particulates, and pollutants that can be extremely hazardous to your health. The biggest threat to your health is the fine particulates that are found in wildfire smoke (called “PM 2.5”). These microscopic particles are too small to see with the naked eye but can get into your eyes and upper respiratory system and can cause major health problems. The best way to protect your loved ones is to invest in a good wildfire smoke air filter. This will help keep your family safe, especially those who are at a higher risk of health problems caused by smoke.
People Most Affected by Wildfire Smoke:
- Babies and children
- Adults over 65 years old
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic health conditions
- People who work outside
- People who live near wildfire areas
Minimizing Smoke in Your Home and Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Wildfire smoke can enter your home through windows, doors, bathroom and kitchen fans that vent to the outdoors, HVAC systems, and small cracks and openings. To help reduce the amount of smoke that enters your home:
- Keep windows and doors closed as often as possible
- Minimize the use of exhaust fans
- Seal cracks around windows and doors
- Avoid using anything that can worsen the indoor air quality (IAQ) like burning candles or incense, frying foods, vacuuming, and smoking.
You can improve your indoor air quality by:
- Running your air conditioner consistently and keeping your fresh air intake closed.
- Turning your HVAC system to “Recirculation” mode. Recirculation mode recycles the air already in your home and prevents outdoor air from being pulled in.
- Upgrade your air filter to a high-efficiency MERV 13 filter. High-efficiency MERV 13 pleated filters are the best option for trapping fire smoke, fine particulates, and harmful pollutants.
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