Pay attention to the air quality in your area and know what different Air Quality Index values mean. You can use the gov website to check air quality where you live. Purple Air is another resource with more localized but less authoritative information.
While everyone may react to wildfire smoke, children and those over 65 are most vulnerable, as are those with heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
If you have an underlying respiratory condition like asthma or COPD, make sure your medications are up to date and filled.
If you are having severe symptoms, like chest pain and difficulty breathing, immediately seek medical care, especially if you have an underlying condition. If you have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath you may have COVID-19, so call your health care provider about testing and care.
Stay inside
Keep your windows and doors closed.
Have enough food and medicine to stay inside for several days.
Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter to create a “clean air room.” Make sure the portable air cleaner fits the size of the room you are using it in. Make sure the cleaner does not create ozone. Those that are “mechanical” are safer, whereas those that are electronic may emit ozone. Watch out for cleaners that claim to be “ionizers, electrostatic precipitators, PCOs, hydroxyl generators, UV light” as these are more likely to create ozone.
Update your heating and air conditioning system with a MERV13 Replace old filters.
If you have air conditioning, run it with the recirculation setting.
Use smoke shelters
Some towns and cities, including Seattle, have set up “smoke shelters,” or public buildings with clean air. During COVID, many are closed, but you can find updates on the City of Seattle’s Twitter page. One has opened up in the SoDo area.
If you drive...
Keep your windows and vents closed. Run the A/C on the recirculate setting.
Don't exercise outdoors
Really, don’t. Especially avoid strenuous activities like running that demand a lot of breathing.
Wear an N95 mask
As much as possible, this should be fitted by a health care professional. Follow these steps on how to wear the mask correctly. (Note: The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says N95 masks are necessary only in medical settings.)
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
Forest collaboratives formed in the wake of the Pacific Northwest’s “Timber Wars” have become major power players operating largely out of the public eye
In a webinar hosted by regional transmission authorities, data centers were called a “major challenge” for the energy industry, as well as extreme weather
A 2023 DeSmog investigation uncovered a “backroom deal” between Portland city officials and Zenith Energy. New documents show the state environmental regulator also met with the company.
Forest collaboratives formed in the wake of the Pacific Northwest’s “Timber Wars” have become major power players operating largely out of the public eye
Get the inside scoop in your inbox, free.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
Journalism that sparks change
Our work has inspired new state laws, exposed government failures and impacted local communities in powerful ways. These stories wouldn't be told without InvestigateWest, and we couldn't do it without our generous supporters.
