Immediate Response Ojectives • Initial concerns are in the immediate vicinity downwind of an active wildfire when the smoke is most intense. Evacuate if advised by fire officials. • Develop and distribute public messaging. This might include: • During the wildfire, advise residences to close all windows and doors and seal gaps and leaks around doors, windows or anywhere smoke can enter. • Filter air with portable air filters or central air filters in recirculation mode. • Consider air cleaners that are effective in remov- ing particles without generating ozone, such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or electrostatic precipitators. • Stay indoors, minimize, or avoid heavy or prolonged physical activity, and reduce other sources of indoor air pollution. • Become familiar and check the AirNow.gov website for air quality advisories. 72 • Coordinate messaging to the public with the many involved agencies. • Work with schools and other institutions to ensure IAQ practices help prevent exposures to wildfire smoke. • Ensure special populations, including older adults, young children, individuals with health conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and those with limited resources are provided culturally appropriate messages and guidance. • Work with schools and other institutions to ensure IAQ practices help reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. • Consider recommending evacuations where communities may be in the path of heavier smoke, especially sensitive populations that have minimal engineering controls available. • Translate all communications into languages primarily spoken in the impacted area.
Indoor Air Quality Objectives Indoor air quality (IAQ) mitigation involves rein - forcing measures to maintain or improve conditions within a home or other occupied building during an active wildfire where smoke could be significant (even at long distances from where the wildfire is burning). IAQ issues involve a multitude of factors such as building construction, damage (incurred or not), residential sensitivities, and proximity to the wildfire. There will be concerns and steps that can be taken during the wildfire smoke event and certainly after - ward as it relates to cleanup and decontamination. EPH will be involved in providing post-fire mitigation advice and recommendations. Sample Messaging • EPA Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) • EPA “Wildfire Smoke Resources to Protect Your Health” with further links to resources and guidance. Health Fact Sheets are particularly useful in crafting local fact sheets • EPA “Smoke Ready Toolbox for Wildfires” with numerous links to resources and guidance • Washington State DOH weblink for Smoke from Fires with FAQ’s and resource links • AirNow Be Smoke Ready • Cal EPA Guidance for Schools During Wildfire Smoke Events -2019 • Oregon Wildfire Response Protocol for Severe Smoke Episodes June 30, 2022 • EPA Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors
Sample messaging can be downloaded at: bit.ly/wildfire-guide
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