If possible, limit your exposure to smoke. For those interested in clean air safety tips I have included 7 tips for protecting yourself from breathing wildfire smoke.
1. Watch local air quality reports- When you see a lot of smoke in the sky, go to the air quality website and pay attention to their guidelines to protect yourself from dangerous levels of smoke inhalation.
2. Watch the Visibility in the Sky- Not every area will rate your dangers of smoke and air quality. There are measures that tell you the danger level based on your maximum visibility. This may not be as accurate, but it’s good enough to make sure you keep yourself and your family safe.
3. Heed the Warnings to Stay Inside- If you are being warned to stay in doors for your safety, you need to heed that warning. Fires can burn a lot of unhealthy chemicals as well as natural brush. When buildings start burning, the air quality danger goes a lot higher. Stay indoors and use your air conditioner with windows closed. Avoid whole house fans.
4. Use an air filter- Use an in house air filter for anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Minimize smoke inhalation for the elderly and children. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement and where to place the unit for maximum efficiency.
5. Do not rely on dust masks for protection- Paper dust masks or surgical masks will not help from smoke. They are for particulates and not smoke. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, will offer some protection. If you decide to keep a mask on hand, see the Respirator Fact Sheet provided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
6. Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation and exercise- When the air quality is bad, it’s best to avoid exposure to the smoke entirely. Excessive exercise should be avoided completely to minimize the amount of smoke inhalation. When you are exercising you are breathing deeper and harder it increases the amount of damage you are doing.
7. Protecting Yourself While in Your Car- Drivers should limit their exposure to wildfire smoke by keeping You should make sure your cabin air filter has been changed. Most manufacturers suggest changing the cabin filter every 15,000 miles. This is very easy to do on your own.
If you need help changing your cars cabin air filter or need more clean air safety tips, stop by any of the Collision Pros in Northern California location in Auburn, Chico, Paradise, Woodland, Red Bluff or Loomis.
