qyuuqs Special Feature: WILDFIRE SEASON August is the start of wildfire season. Officials are predicting a less active wildfire season this year due to the heavy rainfalls we experienced in previous months, but it is still a good idea to review your wildfire preparedness knowledge, particularly for wildfire smoke blowing into the region from other areas, as well as know where to find up-to-date air quality information. Wildfire smoke poses health risks as it contains fine particulate matter called PM 2.5. These particulates can penetrate deep into your lungs and cause irritation and damage.
Symptoms from wildfire smoke exposure include coughing, respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, chest pain, and watering eyes. Even brief exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to symptoms. Additionally, there is increased risk for those with respiratory and heart conditions, pregnant women, elderly people, and young children.
event by stocking up on necessary supplies such as food, water, and medications. You also want to keep your windows closed. If it is hot outside, try to keep your house cool without opening windows. Some tips include closing blinds and curtains, using fans, and avoiding using large appliances that generate heat (stoves, ovens, washers, dryers). You can also turn your home ventilation system on to recirculate. Air purifiers or a box fan filter will also help reduce smoke in your home. If you are purchasing an air purifier, look for one that is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Alternatively, you can construct a box fan filter by taping a HEPA filter to the front of a box fan. Make sure to replace the filters when they become dirty. This will happen more frequently during smoke events. Both of these options will help keep the air in a small room clean.
If you have to go outside, take additional precautions to reduce your exposure. You should wear an N95 mask, preferably the style with two straps to keep the mask tight to your face. In your car, turn off the ventilation system and keep the windows closed! The Department of Environmental Protection will issue alerts if a wildfire smoke event is anticipated, but it is encouraged that you take steps now to prepare. As part of the 2022 climate change workshop series, the July 26 wildfire session included a box fan filter setup demonstration. Link for the how-to demonstration: youtube.com/watch?v=4qr1Aj6Di7w If you have any questions about the demonstration or wildfire smoke, contact Caitlin Roberts at croberts@ swinomish.nsn.us.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s air quality team monitors PM 2.5 levels and will issue alerts ahead of anticipated smoke events. You can access real-time air quality data online at AirNow.gov and you can see the location of wildfire smoke plumes online at Fire.AirNow.gov. Unfortunately, wildfire season coincides with the hottest times of the year. In our region, home air conditioning is uncommon and people rely on open windows to stay cool. However, there steps you can take to prepare for this year’s possible smoke event(s) and considerations for staying cool.
Limit Your Exposure
First and foremost, you want to limit your exposure. This means preparing to stay indoors for the duration of the
Lona Wilbur sharing her thoughts and concerns about wildfire smoke events during the box-fan filter activity of the Climate Change Workshop.
DIY FAN FILTER
Items needed: A box fan, a 20”x20” MERV13 filter(s), and bungee cords or tape.
20" Box Fan
The image on the top right is a 20” box fan. On the bottom right is a MERV 13 20”x20” furnace filter. MERV 13 filters can be 1 or 2 inches in width. The BLUE arrow on the side of the filter indicates the direction of airflow. The air must flow through the filter in the indicated direction for the filter to work. The filter(s) should be placed on the intake side of the box fan—where the air is pulled into the fan. For a single filter, place the filter against the backside of the box fan with the blue arrow facing the fan. Wrap the filter and box fan with a bungee cord or use tape to secure the edge of the filter to the side of the fan.
MERV 13 20"x20" furnace filter
Box Fan Filter using a bungee cord