The Danger of Wildfire Smoke
It is unfortunately the beginning of wildfire season in the North Bay. Every year, multiple counties are under the sudden threat of wildfires, and thousands of residents find themselves on edge, not knowing if they will be forced to evacuate. We all know to avoid areas with active fires, but few people know that they need to take precautions against inhaling smoke, ash, and soot that are carried in the air. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can minimize the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
Limit Your Exposure
If your local air quality has been contaminated, you are vulnerable to short-term respiratory issues, no matter how far you are from the flames Smoke, ash, and soot cause health problems because they are made up of multiple toxic gases, and superfine particulates of everything burning, which can travel deep into your lungs. The most obvious and immediate precaution to take is to limit your exposure to contaminated air, especially if you are a part of a high-risk group: the elderly, pregnant women, and people that have pre-existing heart and/or respiratory issues (children are also vulnerable).
Reduce Your Use of HVAC or Fans
Usually, people just close their windows and doors, but that is not enough. Just like those super fine particulates find their way into your lungs, they will find a way into your home. Given that we are also experiencing a record-setting heat wave, most people away from the wildfires are using their air conditioners and fans without considering they are sucking in soot, ash, and smoke and it will settle in their air ducts, walls, floors, and furniture. Air ducts that have been polluted do have to be professionally cleaned and sanitized otherwise the particulates will spread through vents, continue to pose a threat, and produce odor.
Use HEPA Filters
It may seem as if walls, floors, and furniture will only be affected on the surface, but many of these materials are porous and these particulates will penetrate down to the insulation and padding.
The optimal choice you can make to protect your home, family, and self from this danger is to use a machine equipped with a true HEPA filter.
How Dry Kings Can Help Combat Wildfire Smoke
At Dry Kings Restoration, our air scrubbers come equipped with three filters: a charcoal filter to deodorize and remove gases from the air, an air filter to trap dust and dirt, and a true HEPA filter to remove and trap bacteria, mold spores, dander, and particulates from the air. Further, our expert team can set up hydroxyl generators which, simply stated, use safe UV light to create hydroxyls indoors to instantly deodorize and sterilize particulates in the air and nearby surfaces. Hydroxyls are naturally formed by the sun to “clean” the outside air and play a key role in breaking down smoke in the air but are usually not found indoors. If you are in a high-risk group, want to take precautionary measures, or your home was unfortunately in the path of a wildfire, Dry Kings Restoration is prepared to make you our priority. Contact us today to learn how we can get you back in your home as soon and as safely as possible.