When dealing with wildfire ash, prioritize respiratory protection with a well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and eye protection (goggles) to avoid inhaling or skin contact with ash particles and smoke.
Respiratory Protection:
✅ Wear a tight-fitting respirator (like an N95 or P100) to filter out ash particles from the air you breathe.
✅ If you are in the burn scar area and/or cleaning soot/ash, consider a P100+multigas respirator.
✅ If you are outside the burn scar area and don't have visible soot/ash, or if the Air Quality Index (AQI) is 'very unhealthy' or 'hazardous,' an N95 respirator is recommended.
Skin and Eye Protection:
✅ Wear goggles to protect your eyes from ash and smoke irritation.
✅ Wear gloves to protect your skin from ash and debris.
✅ Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure.
✅ Consider wearing disposable coveralls for added protection.
✅ Wash ash off your skin immediately if it comes into contact.
Other Important Considerations:
Don't use leaf blowers: They can re-suspend ash into the air.
✅ Use a HEPA filter vacuum: If you have one, use it to clean up ash inside your home.
✅ Monitor children and pets: Ensure they are not exposed to ash or ash-covered materials.
✅ Wash ash off toys and pets: Before children play with toys or pets come into contact with ash.
✅ Seek medical care: If you experience chest pain, tightness, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
