How to Minimize your Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

When wildfires impact the air quality in New York State, it’s important to stay mindful of the impact and risks.

Here are some simple tips to help minimize your exposure to wildfire smoke and to keep the air in your home and vehicle clean.

Regularly Monitor Air Quality

Keep up to date with your community’s air quality by checking your local weather report, your phone’s weather app, or by visiting the Air Quality Index AQI. This Index is color-coded to help easily guide your activities and preparedness.   

Avoid Outdoor Activities

If the air quality index is within unhealthy levels, follow authority guidelines to stay inside as much as possible – whether at home, at school, or at work.

Close Windows and Doors

Seal your home as best as possible by keeping all windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering. Weather stripping or towels can help block gaps. Unless your whole-house fan or window air conditioners have a HEPA filter, avoid using them, as they can bring the smoky air inside.

Adjust Your Home and Vehicle Air Conditioner Settings

If you have an air conditioner, be sure it’s set to recirculate the indoor air, rather than pulling in smoke from outside. Keep the windows closed in your vehicle and use the recirculation setting on the A/C system to avoid drawing in the outside air while you drive.

For longer trips in your vehicle, try to take breaks in areas with better air quality as much as possible.

Establish a ‘Clean Air Room’

It may be impossible to keep your entire home “smoke free.” Try to designate one room as a “clean air room”, preferably one with minimal windows and doors. Set up a HEPA air purifier. Spend most of your time in this room during periods of unhealthy air-quality levels.

Avoid Indoor Air Pollution

Burning candles and incense, smoking, or using a gas stove can degrade your indoor air quality and make it more hazardous for you, your family, and your pets. Try to avoid these activities until you can safely let in outdoor air.

Take Care of Your Health

It is important to take care of your health, but it’s especially important during periods of poor air quality. If you need to go outside, consider wearing a N95 respirator or KN95 mask, which are effective at reducing exposure to harmful particles from wildfire smoke. Stay hydrated to keep your lungs and airways moist. If you have asthma or other pre-existing conditions, keep your medications handy, and reach out to your healthcare provider if you are feeling unwell.

Now that you are prepared to minimize your risk to wildfire smoke, check out the link below to learn how to get fresh air when living in a small space.