Smoke and
COVID-19: Creating a Cleaner Indoor Air Space
N95 respirators and public clean air shelters are usually
recommended for protection from wildfire smoke. However, N95 masks might be
hard to find during the COVID-19 pandemic, cloth face coverings offer little
protection against wildfire smoke, and social distancing guidelines may limit
capacity at public facilities operating as clean air shelters. Creating a clean
air space within your home is the best way to protect yourself from wildfire
smoke during the pandemic. If you are close to an active wildfire, always be
prepared to evacuate if told to do so.
Outdoor smoke can enter your home through open windows,
vents, air conditioning systems, and through small openings like cracks,
joints, and around windows. Here are
some ways to have the cleanest indoor air possible when there is smoke in your
area:
- Keep doors and windows closed but pay attention to temperature forecasts and stay safe in the heat. Use air conditioners, heat pumps, fans, and window shades to keep your space cool.
- If possible, change your ventilation system to re-circulate indoor air so that it does not bring in smoke.
- Make sure your HVAC filter is clean and installed properly.
- Upgrade your HVAC filter to a high MERV rated filter and run the fan as often as possible (click here to read about MERV rating and filters).
- Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has more information about portable air cleaners. You may also consider making one yourself (check out this video by the Washington Department of Ecology. It’s also available in Spanish.).
For more information about cleaner air shelters, read
through this advice from the CDC. Check with your local leaders about their
plans to provide cleaner air shelters and reduce the risk of transmitting the
virus that causes COVID-19.
Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk about more actions you can
take to prepare yourself for wildfire season.
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