Wildfire Safety Tips – How To Protect Yourself From Smoke Damage In Paradise Valley, AZ

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Wild Fire & Smoke Damage, Paradise Valley, AZ.

Did you know that Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source? In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.

With the recent wildfires Arizona has been experiencing in both the northern & southern regions, we wanted to share some tips to protect yourself, family and loved ones:

• Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available.
• Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help.
• Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants. 
• Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO₂ from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire.

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

If your property has been affected by smoke damage, help is one call or click away!

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Paradise Valley for all your Fire & Smoke Restoration needs. Schedule your appointment today:

(602) 341-6737 OR office@SERVPROparadisevalley.com / www.SERVPROparadisevalleyaz.com.

Source Credit: https://www.iqair.com/