{"id":7076013,"date":"2026-10-04T19:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-04T19:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7076013"},"modified":"2026-10-04T19:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T19:45:14","slug":"how-to-minimize-your-exposure-to-wildfire-smoke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7076013","title":{"rendered":"How to Minimize your Exposure to Wildfire Smoke"},"content":{"rendered":"


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When wildfires impact the air quality in New York State, it\u2019s
\nimportant to stay mindful of the impact and risks. <\/p>\n

Here are some simple tips to help minimize your exposure to
\nwildfire smoke and to keep the air in your home and vehicle clean.<\/p>\n

Regularly Monitor Air Quality<\/b><\/h3>\n

Keep up to date with your community\u2019s air quality by checking your local
\nweather report, your phone\u2019s weather app, or by visiting the Air Quality Index AQI<\/a>. This
\nIndex is color-coded to help easily guide your activities and
\npreparedness.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

Avoid Outdoor Activities<\/b><\/h3>\n

If the air quality index is within unhealthy levels, follow authority
\nguidelines to stay inside as much as possible \u2013 whether at home, at school, or
\nat work.<\/p>\n

Close Windows and Doors<\/b><\/h3>\n

Seal your home as best as possible by keeping all windows<\/a> and doors closed
\nto prevent smoke from entering. Weather stripping or towels can help block
\ngaps. Unless your whole-house fan or window air conditioners have a HEPA
\nfilter, avoid using them, as they can bring the smoky air inside. <\/p>\n

Adjust Your Home and Vehicle Air Conditioner Settings<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you have an air conditioner, be sure it\u2019s set to recirculate the indoor air,
\nrather than pulling in smoke from outside. Keep the windows closed in your
\nvehicle and use the recirculation setting on the A\/C system to avoid drawing in
\nthe outside air while you drive.<\/p>\n

For longer trips in your vehicle<\/a>, try to take breaks in
\nareas with better air quality as much as possible.<\/p>\n

Establish a \u2018Clean Air Room\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n

It may be impossible to keep your entire home \u201csmoke free.\u201d Try to
\ndesignate one room as a \u201cclean air room\u201d, preferably one with minimal windows
\nand doors. Set up a HEPA air purifier. Spend most of your time in this room during
\nperiods of unhealthy air-quality levels.<\/p>\n

Avoid Indoor Air Pollution<\/b><\/h3>\n

Burning candles and incense, smoking, or using a gas stove can degrade your
\nindoor air quality<\/a> and make it more hazardous for you, your family, and your
\npets. Try to avoid these activities until you can safely let in outdoor air.<\/p>\n

Take Care of Your Health<\/b><\/h3>\n

It is important to take care of your health<\/a>, but it\u2019s especially important
\nduring periods of poor air quality. If you need to go outside, consider wearing
\na N95 respirator or KN95 mask, which are effective at reducing exposure to
\nharmful particles from wildfire smoke. Stay hydrated to keep your lungs and
\nairways moist. If you have asthma or other pre-existing conditions, keep your
\nmedications handy, and reach out to your healthcare provider if you are feeling
\nunwell. <\/p>\n

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Now that you are prepared to minimize your risk
\nto wildfire smoke, check out the link below to <\/span><\/span>learn how to get fresh air when
\nliving in a small space<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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