The Washington state Department of Health (DOH) released a statement on Wednesday providing advice on how to prepare for wildfire smoke. While the statement said Washington has experienced a mild wildfire season so far, the DOH warned the public to be prepared for potential fires later in the season.
“When it does get smoky outside, the best way to protect everyone, including pets, is to stay inside and keep indoor air as clean as possible,” said the statement.
The DOH recommended checking forecasted wildfire and smoke conditions on the Washington Smoke blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. The blog monitors air quality across Washington state. The DOH also recommended buying a HEPA portable air cleaner, which will filter out smoke and help clean the air in a room when it’s smoky outside. The agency also recommends learning how to keep indoor spaces cool without air conditioning. The DOH provided the following link for information on how to stay cool inside when windows are closed to keep out smoke: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/333-298.pdf?uid=630e0dca632d7.
The degree to which smoke exposure can impact people’s health ranges from minor to severe, with the worst symptoms occurring in individuals with pre-existing health issues. Symptoms of smoke exposure can include “burning eyes, coughing, throat and nose irritation, headaches, fatigue, wheezing and shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat and chest pain.”
