Washington Urged To Prepare For Wildfire Smoke: Here's How

SEATTLE — This summer, it will pay to be prepared in advance for wildfire smoke, warns the Washington State Department of Emergency Management.

Last year's wildfire smoke may have led to nearly 100 deaths in Washington, according to the University of Washington. Already, wildfires burning across the west have tens of millions of Americans and Canadians smothered with gray skies — and it's almost inevitable that smoke will soon make its way to Western Washington, thanks to the dry summer and above average fire season.

That's why it's especially important that everyone prepare for smoke and poor air quality now.

One of the easiest ways to handle poor air quality caused by wildfires is by buying a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter, which a recent UW study found could reduce dangerous pollutants by up to 40 percent indoors.

“Wildfire smoke has huge health consequences,” said Edmund Seto, Associate Professor with UW's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services. “I'm really interested in what we can do with air cleaners. Rather than just say this is a problem, we want to push forward with recommendations to help people.”

If a portable air cleaner isn't available or affordable, you can also build a DIY filter with a box fan and air filter.

If either of those options sounds appealing, the Washington State Department of Emergency Management says don't wait to do it — during last year's wildfire smoke, filters and air purifiers quickly sold out across the Puget Sound region.

Similarly, if your home has an HVAC system, make sure the filters have been recently changed and have extras on hand.

Once you have an air filtering system set up, experts recommend designating a "clean room" within your household. That should be one with few windows and doors. When smoke arrives, keep the windows and doors closed and use an indoor air cleaner to make the air inside as clean as possible.

If none of those air filtering options are possible, try to find a safe space to visit ahead of time. Cooling centers, libraries and community centers can be a good place to go to avoid smoky air.

There are other important ways to prepare as well. If you or a loved one are sensitive to poor air quality, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency recommends speaking with a doctor, and setting up a plan for your family before the smoke rolls in.

The Clean Air Agency also recommends stocking up on food, medications, and any other necessities to help limit your time outdoors. You can also buy an “N95” or “N100” mask from most hardware stores, though the agency warns those should only be used as a last resort to protect against wildfire smoke.

Finally, keep yourself informed. When the smoke does arrive, limit time outdoors, keep windows closed, and check for updates. AirNow and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency both offer live updates on wildfires and air quality conditions across Western Washington.