What to do in case of fire

It’s been five months since the devastating wildfires began in California, and while scientists warn that climate change is intensifying natural disasters, individuals and communities must prepare in case a fire breaks out near their city.

As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, it’s very important to pay attention to information from authorities in case of evacuation.

That’s why it’s important to sign up to receive free emergency alerts from your local government.

It’s suggested that you have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone, as well as a battery-operated radio.

The Red Cross also encourages us to have some emergency response preparation and skills, such as first aid and CPR.

Utility outages may occur, so be prepared to live without electricity, gas, or water. Have a plan to meet your electricity needs, including cell phones and medical equipment.

The Red Cross suggests putting together a kit and stocking up on food, water, and medications. Stores and pharmacies may be closed, so organize your important papers in a portable kit in case you need to leave your home quickly.

But wildfires also cause environmental damage and deaths after they are extinguished, especially from harmful wildfire smoke particles.

A new study published in the journal Nature reveals that Trinity County, a rural county in Northern California, has recorded the highest rate in the country of wildfire deaths caused by climate change and microscopic particles of smoke and soot, known as fine particulate matter or PM2.5.

According to research author Bev Law, professor emeritus of global change biology at Oregon State University, their study is the first to quantify the impact of climate change on PM2.5 death rates in wildfires at the state and county levels, with the largest increases recorded in the western United States.

Wildfire smoke can harm you in many ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases.

That’s why it’s important to know how to protect your health and stay safe if you’re exposed to wildfire smoke.

The CDC explains that wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and small particles released by burning vegetation, building materials, and other materials. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. Even healthy people can get sick if there’s enough smoke in the air.

Therefore, remember that breathing smoke can have immediate health effects, such as coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, difficulty breathing, and even a rapid heartbeat.

People most likely to get sick if they breathe wildfire smoke include older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions.

And above all, keep in mind that wildfire smoke can affect people who have underlying health conditions or are in vulnerable groups.

These are some of the CDC’s recommendations: pay attention to local air quality reports when a wildfire occurs in your area, and heed messages from public health authorities. Take additional safety precautions, such as avoiding the outdoors and wearing a face mask.

Authorities may recommend that you stay indoors. Please heed these recommendations and stay indoors to keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep doors and windows closed unless it’s very hot outside, as this could make it too hot inside.

If you have air conditioning, turn it on, but close the outside air intake and keep the filter clean to prevent smoke from entering. If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s too hot to be inside with the windows closed, take shelter elsewhere.

Another point to keep in mind is not to increase indoor air pollution. If smoke concentrations are high, don’t light anything that burns, such as candles or a fireplace.
Don’t vacuum, as this will stir up particles already in your home.

Don’t smoke tobacco or any other product, as this will increase air pollution.

If you have asthma or another lung or cardiovascular disease, take your medications and follow the plan for managing your breathing problems as prescribed by your doctor, and call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Finally, avoid exposure to smoke during outdoor recreational activities. Wildfires and controlled burns—a monitored burning of land to control vegetation—can produce a lot of smoke. Before visiting a park or forest, check to make sure there is no wildfire or a controlled burn is planned.

Remember that we are at the beginning of fire season, so it is important to be prepared to prevent damage to both us and our property.