dictions, state agencies, the Forest Service, or uni - versities and colleges. Some states have developed guidance or protocols for smoke-related wildfire response, such as the one developed by Oregon. 29 Public Message Coordination Messaging must be consistent, accurate, and timely across all responding agencies. Developing relationships before a wildfire is very important because it establishes the conduits to synchronize messaging. Messages with smoke measurements should include actionable recommendations to be communicated across all media channels. If you have one, ensure your PIO is communicating with Other agencies may have a stronger role in air quality matters. A large multijurisdictional wildfire and air quality objectives should be coordinated between the many agencies that might be involved. Staff will generally be involved with collecting data and information to formulate public health messages. In some counties, the local public health officer might be involved with decisions and recom - mendations on when to cancel outdoor events or school activities. Sample Messaging 30 , 31 • EPA AirNow Chart showing air quality index basics • CDPH Wildfire Smoke Considerations for Public Health Officials 2022 Guideline • EPA et al Wildfire Smoke Guide for Public Health Officials 2019 • Washington Air Quality Guide for School & Child Care Activities • Washington Guide for Public Health Actions for Wildfire Smoke • Wildfire Smoke Local PHO Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools April 2022 their points of contact to coordinate. Outdoor Air Quality Objectives
Immediate Response Objectives • Develop risk and prevention messages for the community, including actions for special populations in the primary languages spoken in the impacted community. • Coordinate messaging across the involved agencies. 71 • Ensure populations with heightened vulnerabilities, such as senior citizens, are informed of options to minimize smoke exposure. • Consider recommending evacuations where communities may be in the path of heavier smoke, especially sensitive populations that have minimal engineering controls available. • Monitor and track the pathway and intensity of the wildfire and constantly evaluate messaging in coordination with fire and other emergency entities. • Ensure pets have an evacuation location with provisions for water and the appropriate pet foods. Recovery Response • Develop and distribute guidance and information on reducing smoke and ash exposure after the wildfire is contained and residents are allowed to return home. Information provided on a website as well as printed for handouts is ideal. • Ensure communities are aware that returning residents and occupants may stir up ash and dust during retrieval activities. • Minimize exposure to sensitive populations during retrieval activities. • Ensure communities are aware of protocols and safeguards for cleanup that may generate ash and soot within structures or burned areas. • Emphasize concerns and recommendations if windy conditions exist.
Sample messaging can be downloaded at: bit.ly/wildfire-guide
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