Wildfire smoke

Air quality conditions may change quickly. Go to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s website or follow them on Twitter for the current smoke level report for King County.

Limit your physical activity outdoors (including running, biking, physical labor, and sports) when:

• the smoke level is "moderate" or worse if you have a health condition (like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or a cold)
  
• the smoke level is "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or worse if you are pregnant, over age 65, a child or an infant
  
• the smoke level is "unhealthy for everyone"

• Close windows and doors
  
• Don't smoke, use candles, or vacuum
  
• Avoid frying and broiling when cooking indoors
  
• Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter if possible
  
• Use fans or an air conditioner (AC) when it's hot, if possible. Set your AC to recirculate.
  
• If you don't have AC and it's too hot indoors, go to a place with AC like a mall, the library, or a movie theater. If you aren't able to leave and it's too hot, it's better to open the windows for a short time to cool the indoor space than to overheat.
• A DIY air cleaner may be an easy and cost-effective way to clean air inside your home. Information on how to construct a portable air cleaner and important safety tips to follow while using one of these fans can be found at Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's DIY Air Filter website.

Call 9-1-1 if you or someone else has serious symptoms, like trouble breathing. You can also send a text to 9-1-1 if you are Deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, and anyone who might be unsafe if they were to be heard by an intruder or abusive partner. Learn more about text-to-911.

• Smoke from fires can be dangerous for everyone
  
  
• Arabic: دخان الحرائق قد يكون خطرًا على الجميع
  
  
• Chinese: 火災煙霧對任何人
  
  
• Korean: 화재 연기 모두에게 위험
  
  
• Punjabi: ਅੱਗ ਤੋਂ ਸਨੱਕਸਲਆ ਧ ੂੰਆਾਂ ਹਰ ਸਕਸੇ ਲਈ ਖ਼ਤਰਨਾਕ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ
  
  
• Russian: Дым от пожаров может представлять опасность для всех
  
  
• Somali: Qiiqa kayimaada dababka halis wayn ayuu kunoqon karaa qofkasta
  
  
• Spanish: El humo de los incendios puede ser peligroso para todos
  
  
• Tagalog: Ang usok mula sa sunog ay maaaring maging mapanganib para sa lahat
  
  
• Ukrainian: Дим від пожеж може бути небезпечним для будь-кого
  
  
• Vietnamese: Khói từ các đám cháy có thể rất nguy hiểm với tất cả mọi người

• Wearing a mask may makes it more difficult to breathe because it can require extra effort to move air through the mask.
• If you have breathing problems (like asthma or COPD) or heart disease, check with your healthcare provider before using any mask.

• Only use a mask after first trying other, more effective ways to avoid smoke, like staying indoors and reducing outdoor activity.
  
• Respirator masks labeled N95 or N100 can filter out fine particles from smoke but not hazardous gases (like carbon monoxide).
  
• Cloth (wet or dry), paper masks, and tissues will NOT filter out wildfire smoke.

• There are several varieties and manufacturers of N95 masks and each has a slightly different fit. If you choose to wear a mask, select one that fits you securely and comfortably.
  
• Straps must go above and below the ears and the mask should fit over the nose and under the chin.
  
• The mask should not let air in from the sides around the nose and chin.
  
• Masks will have limited effect for people with beards or young children because they do not fit snugly on their faces.