It’s early June and we’ve already experienced heat and fires. It’s only going to get hotter and drier as summer approaches and is in full swing. Based on experience, we know that Spokane can have hours to entire days of smoke-filled skies. Smoke contains harmful particles and gases that everyone should avoid when possible. So what can you do now? Here is a short list to help get you started:

• HVAC System: Your home’s air system should be serviced and filters replaced if needed.
• Cleaner Air Room: For added protection, consider creating a cleaner air space in your home – maybe the room where you spend most of your time. A portable HEPA air cleaner or even a DIY box fan filter can be used in this space for extra air filtration.
• Your Health: If you have a respiratory or heart condition, if you are pregnant, or if you are 65 or older, discuss wildfire smoke with your health care providers and follow their recommendations for protecting yourself from smoke.
• Stay Informed: You can check the current air quality hourly on this website. You can also subscribe to receive an email or text alert of current and forecast air quality conditions at EPA’s EnviroFlash webpage.
• More information, resources, and links to public health wildfire smoke resources is here.