Wildfire smoke can significantly impact indoor air quality, posing health risks for you and your family. By taking proactive steps to minimize smoke infiltration, you can create a safer and healthier environment within your home.  

  1. Seal Your Home:
  • Close all windows and doors: This is the most crucial step. Seal off entry points for smoke to minimize its infiltration.
  • Inspect and seal gaps: Check for cracks around windows, doors, and vents. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or tape to seal any openings.
  • Cover vents and chimneys: Use plastic sheeting or other appropriate materials to seal off vents and chimneys, preventing smoke from entering through these pathways.
  1. Enhance Air Filtration:
  • Upgrade HVAC filters: Replace standard filters with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters are designed to capture fine particulate matter, a major component of wildfire smoke.
  • Utilize air purifiers: Consider investing in portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. Place them in areas where you spend the most time.
  • Monitor air quality: Invest in a uHoo air quality monitor to track indoor pollutant levels in real-time, including particulate matter (PM2.5). This data can help you assess the effectiveness of your filtration efforts and adjust your strategies accordingly.
  1. Minimize Indoor Pollution Sources:
  • Avoid activities that generate smoke: Refrain from smoking, burning candles, using fireplaces, and cooking with gas stoves during periods of high smoke levels.
  • Limit dust-producing activities: Minimize activities like vacuuming and dusting, as these can stir up particles and worsen indoor air quality.
  1. Create a Clean Air Refuge:
  • Designate a “clean room”: Select a room with minimal outside air infiltration, such as a bedroom or bathroom with an attached bathroom.
  • Seal it off: Close the door and windows to this room tightly.
  • Purify the air: Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter continuously within the designated clean room.

By implementing these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the impact of wildfire smoke on your indoor air quality and protect the health of your loved ones. Remember to stay informed about local air quality conditions and adjust your strategies as needed.

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