As multiple wildfires have raged across Canada, people in the United States have been forced to contend with heavy smoke blowing from across the border. As a result, air quality has declined dramatically across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwestern United States, and people can be at risk of severe health problems as a result. Here are five important tips for staying safe during this wildfire crisis:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors closed
- In the midst of the wildfires, going outside is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Staying inside with your windows and doors closed will help to keep the smoke outside, limiting your exposure. You should also avoid burning candles or using the fireplace, and keep pets inside if you can, as they can also be vulnerable to the negative health effects of the smoke.
- Wear a mask if you must go outside
- If you absolutely must go outside during the wildfire crisis, make sure you wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose, such as an N95 or KN95 mask. This can prevent you from breathing in dangerous particles in the smoke, although even these masks are not perfect. The best safety measure is to stay in, without being exposed to the smoke in the air.
- Run your air conditioner with recirculation turned on
- Even if you are not feeling warm, running your air conditioner with recirculation turned on can help keep the air inside your home clean during the wildfire. Air conditioners typically have filters that can help remove some of the dangerous particles that may enter, and recirculation will minimize the amount of outside air that is drawn in. This can help to maintain air quality inside your home and minimize the health risks to you.
- Avoid exercise or heavy physical activity
- While vigorous exercise can be healthy under normal circumstances, it can be outright dangerous during the wildfire. The more heavy physical activity you do, the more you breathe in, and the more of the smoke you will be exposed to. This increases the chances of a severe health episode, and can exacerbate pre-existing health issues.
- Be especially cautious if you have asthma or other respiratory issues
- If you have asthma, COPD, or another chronic respiratory problem, you should be especially cautious. Make sure you are stocked up on any necessary medical supplies, such as an inhaler or oxygen, and take special care to avoid going outside. Otherwise, you place yourself at risk of worsening your condition and potentially needing medical intervention.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.