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Residents of California can take simple steps to protect their health and stay safe during the Wildfire Season. Wildfire smoke can affect people many miles downwind, as well as those nearby. Particles from smoke and ash can cause breathing problems, heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions when they are inhaled, even in healthy individuals. Other unpleasant side effects, such as coughing, can cause panic and distress. 

When dealing with an emergency wildfire situation, it pays to be prepared so that you stand the best chance of reacting quickly and safely. 

Being Ready

Before a wildfire starts:

• Stock your home with several days’ worth of food, water and medications before wildfire season, so that you can stay indoors if necessary. 

• Find out how the local relevant authorities issue wildfire and risk alerts, and ensure that you receive them.

• Ask your workplace and children’s settings what plans they have in place in the event of a wildfire.

• Prepare a ‘clean room’ in your home; install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter to recirculate the clean air, and any other specialist equipment your family needs.

Evacuation Planning

Although it is upsetting to think of leaving your home, you need a clear plan for everyone to understand and follow in an emergency. 

• Discuss the plan with your household and neighbours; does everyone know what to do?

• Make a checklist of all health items to be taken with you, such as treatment plans, insurance cards, medications and equipment — even a portable power supply — to guarantee that nothing is forgotten.

Should you take extra precautions?

You are at greater risk of suffering lung damage if you have an underlying health condition, including: 

• COPD, 
• other lung diseases such as asthma,
• cardiovascular disease,
• or diabetes,

or you:

• are pregnant, 
• work outdoors
• are aged under 18 years or over 65.

These groups will need to exercise added caution. Ideally their Doctor will provide a Health Management Plan. All medications and equipment mentioned on the plan should be regularly checked, and kept within reach at all times.

Currently, everyone must consider limiting the spread of Covid-19 when they prepare for wildfire emergencies. Communities might be evacuated to emergency shelter in large numbers; keep a supply of face masks and hand sanitizer ready for your household to leave home with. 

When a wildfire warning is given

If a wildfire alert is issued, ALWAYS follow the advice given by the relevant authorities. If no evacuation order is declared:

• Stay vigilant to the air quality around you, and listen out for official announcements. If outdoor air pollution becomes significantly harmful, stay indoors wherever possible.

• Do not rely on a dust mask or cloth covering to protect your lungs from smoke inhalation damage. N-95 or N-100 masks do provide protection from smaller more dangerous particles, but only if fitted correctly. They are not suitable for children and they are difficult for lung condition-sufferers to use; please consult your doctor if you need guidance. These masks have recently been in short supply due to Covid-19 PPE demand, and should be kept in reserve for key workers.

• Keep car windows up and set the fans to ‘re-circulate,’ preferably with air con switched on.

• Avoid any outdoor leisure activities.

When advised to stay at home

Going outdoors might become too dangerous for your lungs; knowing how to protect them could save your family’s lives. Ensure that you all:

• Remain fully indoors, unless instructed by officials to evacuate.

• Close all windows, doors and dampers.

• Preserve indoor air quality. Make sure no-one smokes or burns anything indoors, including candles and incense; do not vacuum; re-circulate indoor air, ideally through an air conditioner; switch off fans which draw external air into the building; put damp towels around door and window openings to keep smoke particles out.

• Use your ‘clean room’ if you have one. 

• Organise alternative shelter if your home becomes unbearably hot; this is especially important for babies or adults vulnerable to heat.

• Keep a close watch on children; they breathe more air relative to their body size, and can suffer the effects of smoke more quickly than adults. Masks rarely fit them properly; the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention say that children under 2 years-old should never wear a face mask. Remember that they cannot always tell you if they are feeling unwell.

When evacuation is necessary

Follow all official orders for evacuation closely; bring vital supplies from your checklist, do not stop to gather other belongings. Keep calm; do all you can to protect your lungs. 

After a wildfire

• Seek medical help for any breathing concerns.
• Wear appropriate PPE for any clean-up activities.
• Dampen any soot or ash to prevent particles becoming airborne.
• Do not allow people with compromised lung function to assist with any clean-up of soot or ash-covered items.

Short summary

Residents are advised on how to protect their lung health during wildfire season in clear, user-friendly steps. These steps include understanding who is most at risk from the effects of inhaling smoke, and they outline the extra precautions that these individuals should take. They also describe, in easy-to-follow language, how residents should prepare for wildfire season, what they should do if wildfires are burning in the vicinity, and how they can protect their lung health during a post-wildfire clean-up.

First published 2020

Copyright © Chantalle Rose 2020 All rights reserved.

The right of Chantalle Rose to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.

The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this article. All content is provided for general informational and interpretive purposes only and does not constitute professional official safety or emergency services advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance for their specific circumstances. 

Published by Chantalle Rose 

Ilkley, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

www.chantallerose.com