Wildfire Smoke Affecting Asthma

If there is one thing I REALLY hate, it's wildfires (and especially wildfire smoke.)

Years ago, my Middle Son ended up in the ICU thanks to a nearby wildfire.The smoke filled the valley, and also filled his lungs. 

 Later, our state was full of California's wildfire smoke. I live thousands of miles away - but smoke doesn't stop at state lines. 

I was caught outside when the smoke rolled into the valley and despite starting breathing treatments (and taking my daily, controller inhalers), I ended up in the ER with a bad asthma flare.  

In the 2023, the East Coast of the U.S. was inundated with wildfire smoke from Canada.  

It can literally happen anywhere and affect anyone.

How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke 

• Stay indoors 
• Keep windows and doors closed at all times 
• Make sure your HVAC filter is clean so it can filter the outside air
• If driving, use the "recirculating air" setting on your car's AC
• Use air cleaners in your home
  

Sometimes, smoke can still enter your house through small openings and cracks around doors and windows. Air cleaners/purifiers can help clean the air. 

Can't afford an air cleaner/purifier? You can make one!   

Air cleaners are pricey - but you can make one with a 20" box fan, 20" furnace filters and duct tape.

 University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine has a short video that shows how to put together an air purifier. 

Does it work? Yes! It filters out 90% of the very tiny particles. 

When is it time to evacuate? 

When the experts tell you to evacuate. 

Wildfires can quickly change directions, and dense smoke can make it nearly impossible to see. You could also be trapped in your home or apartment, and the roads leading out could be clogged with other drivers trying to escape.

Nothing in my house is worth more than my family's lives. 

It's been over 20 years since my son was in the ICU from wildfire smoke, and I'll never forget watching him struggle to breathe. 

I never want to see that again. 

We have evacuated before, and would do it again if it meant saving our lives. 

 This website has more info about wildfires and indoor air quality. 

Please be careful out there if you are near a wildfire. 

You only have one set of lungs, let's protect them.