How to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke

The warm and sunny summer months across western Washington and much of the U.S. have brought with them a recurring seasonal hazard in recent years: wildfire smoke.

There are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones healthy when the smoke drifts into the region.

What Symptoms Are Caused by Smoke?

Smoke from wildfires most significantly impacts your lungs, affecting your body's ability to absorb oxygen. You might experience other symptoms that range from minor irritations to more serious conditions. The EPA measures air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI), and the normal range is 0-50.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, symptoms of smoky conditions include:

• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Headache
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Irritation in your eyes, nose and throat
• Mental health concerns

If you have an existing heat or lung condition like asthma, smoky conditions will likely aggravate your condition and cause symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat and asthma attacks.

You should seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe symptoms.

How Can You Stay Safe During Smoke Events?

According to Seattle experts, the first step is to stay updated on the latest AQI in your area by signing up for health warnings in your community:

• Sign up for ALERT King County to keep you updated on potential threats and hazards in your area, including unhealthy air quality.
• Monitor the Snohomish County Facility Purple Air Sensor Data to keep current on the AQI near your home.
• AirNow is a free tool that lets you check air quality data anywhere in Washington state and around the country.

Here's how to stay safe if the AQI is 150, or well above normal:

• Avoid outdoor physical exertion as much as possible.
• Stay inside and keep indoor air clean by closing your windows and using an air filter if possible.
• Consider leaving the area if air quality is poor and it isn't possible to keep the air in your home clean.
• Stay mindful of the heat inside and take steps to cool down if temperatures are on the rise indoors.
• Follow these tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association to keep your pets and livestock safe when the air quality is low.

If you or a loved one has asthma or other lung diseases, follow your doctor's instructions on medications and managing your condition.

Watch Out for the Heat Too

Summer weather often means heat, smoky or not. And a lot of it. Stay safe and beat the heat with these hot weather safety tips.