Risks Associated with Wildfire Smoke 

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County would like to caution citizens that wildfire smoke is a respiratory irritant that can cause a scratchy throat or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can also worsen conditions such as asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions.

How to protect your family from smoke:

• Pay attention to news coverage or health warnings related to the wildfires and the associated smoke, including local air quality reports. This information can be found at our preparedness site, collierprepares.org. Scroll to the bottom of the page under local and national resources, and view Collier County air quality readings.
• Use common sense when outside conditions are smoky. Avoid prolonged outdoor activities. It is especially important to limit time spent outdoors for children and persons with existing medical conditions.
• Stay in-doors and run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. If you do not have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter with family or friends.
• People who live in areas that are regularly affected by smoke from wildfires would be well advised to create a “clean room” in their home to reduce the irritants of wildfire smoke. A good choice is an interior room, with as few windows and doors as possible, such as a bedroom.
• Follow your doctor’s advice about taking medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
• When driving in smoke or fog, decrease your speed, increase your following distance and use your low beams. Drive safely!

For additional information, contact the Department of Health in Collier County at 239-252-8049 or visit our website Collierprepares.org.