Looking to purchase a HEPA air purifier? If you're a NorthWestern Energy residential customer, you can get a $100 rebate -- more HERE.
Wondering about current air quality? Head to Today's Air. Or directly to Fire.AirNow.gov
Wondering about current air quality? Head to Today's Air. Or directly to Fire.AirNow.gov
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Hum away -- our favorite wildfire smoke jingle: |
CLIMATE CHANGE is bringing more wildfire smoke. how do we prepare?
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Montana's summers are becoming hotter and drier, growing the risk of wildfires. As fires increase and as the wildfire season lengthens, the amount of wildfire smoke increases. Smoke can affect us from nearby fires, from surrounding states, and even as far as California or Canada. Planning for clean indoor air, learning about health risks, and sharing this with friends and neighbors can help reduce stress and keep us feeling good, when the skies turn from blue to gray.
HAVE A MINUTE? WATCH OUR SHORT ANIMATED VIDEO (RIGHT):
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Get prepared by following 5 easy steps!
1. UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH IMPACTS |
A short animated video on the health impacts of wildfire smoke:
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Wildfire smoke is our most significant source of air pollution in western Montana and it is nasty business. The tiny particles in smoke can burrow deep into your lungs and pass into your bloodstream where they set off an inflammatory response. They impact your heart, lungs and immune system.
Even if you are not in a high-risk category (children, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, and pregnant people), the smoke is bad for you. It’s bad for everyone, and the longer you’re in it, the worse it gets. These pollutants can even exacerbate other health risks including viruses like COVID-19. Learn more on the health risks page. |
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2. Know how to check air quality
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Stay up to date on the smoke levels in your area with information from the today's air page. Accurate air quality maps and forecasts can help you be smart, adjusting your activities and getting outside during the healthiest times of the day.
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Visibility Guidelines
Cannot see 5 miles? Unhealthy Air Cannot see 2 miles? Very Unhealthy Air Cannot see 1 mile? Hazardous Air How to estimate air quality based on visibility:
If don't live close to air quality monitors (see the Today's Air map), these visibility guidelines may help you gauge local smoke levels. Click here to see what the different categories (unhealthy, very unhealthy, hazardous, etc.) mean and how they affect us. |
3. MAKE A PLAN TO CREATE CLEAN INDOOR AIR
There are many ways to reduce your health risks during periods of wildfire smoke, including various home fixes, using a HEPA portable air cleaner, and more. Learn about how to breathe clean and stay healthy during smoke events on the clean indoor air page.
purchase a hepa portable air cleaner |
build a diy fan + filter |
4. reduce time outside
We all need fresh air, sunlight, and exercise. During periods of wildfire smoke, it's easy to feel unhappy or trapped when we're told to stay indoors or reduce physical activity, and when we can't see the sun through the smoke. Health officials know this, which is why it's important to find a balance that works for you, given the ever-changing conditions. Additionally, many people work outside and do not have the option to stay indoors. Visit our Outdoor Safety page for tips and tricks.
5. CHECK IN ON YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
When it's hot and smoky, we need to check in on our friends and neighbors. We know COVID and wildfire smoke are a bad combination. If you or anyone you know is not yet vaccinated, please don't delay. And if you're recovering from COVID, do take extra preparations to stay healthy if smoke comes our way.
We're helping to provide clean indoor air for those most at risk, in order to protect health, and save lives. Studies show that health impacts from smoke exposure extend months or even years after smoke has dissipated, highlighting the need for interventions. If you're able, please support this work so we can reach more people in need.
We're helping to provide clean indoor air for those most at risk, in order to protect health, and save lives. Studies show that health impacts from smoke exposure extend months or even years after smoke has dissipated, highlighting the need for interventions. If you're able, please support this work so we can reach more people in need.
BONUS. ADVOCATE AND ORGANIZE TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND RESILIENCY
Montana has a unique landscape with populated mountain valleys and dense forests covering much of the western half of the state. Our climate is changing and we're seeing hotter and drier summers, resulting in longer and more intense wildfire seasons, and more smoke. Can you work with local government and leaders in your community to begin planning and acting today? Visit The Science page to learn more about our changing climate, and the reasons to prepare for and address wildfire smoke as a public health issue.
There are multiple ways for Montana communities to prepare for and adapt to changing fire seasons. Wildfire smoke is a public health issue, and strategies such as utilizing portable air cleaners and smarter building design can help people stay healthy and cool. There are other risks from climate change that we in Montana need to understand and build strategies to address. And we need to work together reduce the root cause by reducing carbon pollution!
There are multiple ways for Montana communities to prepare for and adapt to changing fire seasons. Wildfire smoke is a public health issue, and strategies such as utilizing portable air cleaners and smarter building design can help people stay healthy and cool. There are other risks from climate change that we in Montana need to understand and build strategies to address. And we need to work together reduce the root cause by reducing carbon pollution!
In 2021 we partnered with the Missoula Food bank and gave out nearly 100 DIY fan+filters.
We will be looking to have more of these events in 2022, if funding allows!
We will be looking to have more of these events in 2022, if funding allows!
