WILDFIRE OR SMOKE Emergency Guide and Global Links to Monitor If you are told to stay indoors because of smoke but are not under an evacuation order, Close Windows and Doors and Stay Inside. Smoke is made up of gases and fine particles when wood and other materials burn that get into your eyes and lungs.
Tips to decrease smoke from entering home: Set your A/C to recirculate to use air inside home rather than pull air from outside to cool. Turn you HVAC fan to ON = switch the thermostat setting from AUTO to ON, this makes the air run through your filter and cleaning the air when not cooling. Check your air filter and replace if have one and easy to get to indoors. IF you have a window unit air conditioner, close the outdoor air damper. If you cannot close damper, do not use the air conditioner becuase it will bring smoke inside. Make sure the seal around the window unit is as tight as possible. Turn off all exhaust fans that may be running in the bathrooms or kitchen like the hood over the stove top. Use damp towel to block large gaps under doors or window sills. Close the chimney flue if you have a fireplace. Reduce indoor Air Pollution by not frying or broiling food, burning incense or using a gas stove. DO NOT VACUUM unless using a sealed HEPA filter. Avoid Strenuous exercise to not increase air needs
Can make a a Clean Air Room if you have a portable HEPA air purifier or other type air filter you can use to help keep air clean. Pick a central room that you can close off from rest of the home that is very sealable in doors and windows.
If you cannot avoid being in smoke, wear a N95 or P100 respirator mask with proper fit and following guidelines for wearing. Any mask, scarf, towel will help if nothing else available.
When the air quality improves, even if temporarily, air out your home by opening windows or the fresh air on your HVAC system, run exhaust fans in bathrooms or in the kitchen.
Children, older adults or other with heart or lung disease or asthma should not be involved in any cleanup of ashes or debris left behind by the fire. IF you are active in clean up, wear sturdy shoes and sock, long pants, long sleeved shirt and gloves with a N95 mask to avoid contact with ash. Ash can be on indoor and outdoor surfaces and inhaled if stirred back up. Before sweeping indoor or outdoor areas, mist them with water to keep the dust down. Then wet mop or use a damp cloth to lightly dust areas. Change your shoes and clothes before going back into the home to avoid tracking ash and debris into home.
https://www.weather.gov/fire/
https://app.watchduty.org
https://www.iqair.com/gb/wildfire/uk/england and worldwide
Wildfires can move very quickly and change direction especially with wind. Leave immediately if authorities issue an Evacuation order. Do not wait to see how close the fire gets. PEOPLE AND PETS ARE THE PRIORITY Take people, pets, medications, ID’s, and essential documents – OR grab your GO BAG, follow steps to Evacuate and LEAVE. Don’t spend time packing.
SEE: Step by Step LEAVE NOW CHECKLIST OR HOW TO PREPARE TO EVACUATE ARTICLE BEFORE DANGER
Use the evacuation route recommended by officials. Don’t drive toward the fire. Roads can close or conditions change quickly. IF you become trapped call 911 or your local emergency services, tell them your exact location and follow their instructions. Don’t return home until after officials say is safe due to damaged trees, hot ash, embers can all be hidden in debris and dangerous.
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