how do i prepare for wildfire smoke season?
When the smoke rolls into our valley it affects all of us. Climate change is bringing longer, higher intensity wildfire seasons, and we all need to be prepared. On this page, you'll find 5 quick tips for how to be prepared for wildfire smoke season. To dig deeper into any of these topics, click through the pages of this website!
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1. UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH IMPACTS
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. Wildfire smoke impacts everyone's health, but some groups of people are more at risk -- children, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, and pregnant people. For all of us, longer you’re in it, the worse it gets. These pollutants can even exacerbate other health risks including viruses. Watch our video to learn more about the health risks, and learn more about wildfire smoke and health on the health risks page. |
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Watch our animated video about health and wildfire smoke!
2. CHANGE BEHAVIOR, REDUCE RISK
Even if we can't control when the smoke arrives or how long it stays, there ARE things we can do to reduce our exposure and its unhealthy effects, like:
*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. It's important to find a balance that works for you, given the ever-changing conditions. Also, people who work outside and do not have the option to stay indoors. Outdoor workers may consider using an N95 respirator mask. For more tips for outdoor safety, visit our Outdoor Safety page.
Even if we can't control when the smoke arrives or how long it stays, there ARE things we can do to reduce our exposure and its unhealthy effects, like:
- Reduce time spent outside*
- Create clean indoor air (more information below) and AVOID adding particulate matter to your home: don't burn candles, cigarettes, or incense, and limit vacuuming and stove-top cooking.
- Head indoors, close windows and doors (if not too hot!)
- If it's smoky AND hot, avoid heat stress first. Cool your home with fans or AC, open windows and doors if needed, stay hydrated, and reduce activity.
*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. It's important to find a balance that works for you, given the ever-changing conditions. Also, people who work outside and do not have the option to stay indoors. Outdoor workers may consider using an N95 respirator mask. For more tips for outdoor safety, visit our Outdoor Safety page.
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3. CHECK AIR QUALITY
Stay up to date on the smoke levels in your area with information from our 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. To learn about current wildfires, smoke, and air quality, you can directly visit Fire.AirNow.Gov or the Montana DEQ Air Quality site for up-to-date information on wildfires and smoke. Visibility Guidelines Cannot see 5 miles? Unhealthy Air Cannot see 2 miles? Very Unhealthy Air Cannot see 1 mile? Hazardous Air Visit the Montana DEQ site here to learn more about visibility guidelines and the different categories (unhealthy, very unhealthy, hazardous, etc.) for outdoor air quality. |
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4. CREATE CLEAN INDOOR AIR
We highly recommend using a HEPA air cleaner in your home or at your business! HEPA portable air cleaners (PACs for short), also known as air filtration units, are portable appliances that filter out really tiny particulate matter (PM) - 2.5 microns and smaller. These ultrafine bits are the most common and dangerous component of wildfire smoke, which is affecting Montana more frequently as our climate changes. You can purchase a HEPA air cleaner online or at your local hardware store. You can also build your own DIY fan/filter combo using a box fan and a furnace filter. Watch our videos to learn more about HEPA air cleaners and DIY fan/filter cleaners! For detailed information about HEPA air cleaners, visit our HEPA filter page here. For more tips and tricks for clean indoor air, visit our clean indoor air page. |
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5. CHECK ON YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGBHORS, AND PETS
When it's hot and smoky, we need to check in on our friends and neighbors. Sometimes we don't realize how hot our space has become until someone comes in to remind us; and a neighborhood dog's water bowl might need to be refilled. Studies show that health impacts from smoke exposure extend months or even years after smoke has dissipated, highlighting the need for interventions. Help those around you learn these tips and navigate wildfire smoke season in a healthier way. Our furry friends are also sensitive to wildfire smoke. You may need to bring them inside more and curtail their exercise. |
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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. Wildfire smoke is a public health issue and there are multiple ways for Montana communities to prepare for and adapt to changing fire seasons (using air filters, smarter building design). 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 to address the root cause and reduce carbon pollution!
Also, the team at Climate Smart Missoula is helping to create clean indoor air for those most at risk by providing air filters as able, in order to protect health and save lives. If you're able, please support this work so we can reach more people in need.
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.
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. Wildfire smoke is a public health issue and there are multiple ways for Montana communities to prepare for and adapt to changing fire seasons (using air filters, smarter building design). 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 to address the root cause and reduce carbon pollution!
Also, the team at Climate Smart Missoula is helping to create clean indoor air for those most at risk by providing air filters as able, in order to protect health and save lives. If you're able, please support this work so we can reach more people in need.
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.