Tribal Fire Services

“ Severe storms, freezing temperatures, hurricanes and heat waves are becoming more common throughout the world. In 2020, there were 457 weather-related fatalities in the United States. The leading cause of weather fatalities in the U.S. was extreme heat, followed by floods and tornadoes.

Seniors are at an especially high risk of experiencing injuries and illnesses related to natural disasters. An estimated 85% of older adults live with one or more chronic health conditions and reduced mobility These factors make dealing with power outages, extreme temperatures and emergency evacuations difficult.

Although we can’t prevent weather-related natural disasters, being prepared can make all the difference during an emergency. Being prepared means knowing what your personal risks are and the types of natural disasters that are likely to occur where you live.

In this guide, you’ll learn what you can do to stay safe during a disaster. You’ll discover helpful tips on preparing your home for extreme weather events and how to assess the risks in your region. You’ll also find disaster preparedness checklists for seniors and caregivers, as well as pet owners.”

Wildfire Smoke Readiness & Response: Resources for Region 10 Tribes

Where to Find Real-Time Data

• Fire & Smoke Map from EPA AirNow: Find PM2.5 levels, named fire locations, smoke plumes and links to Interagency Wildland Fire reports during wildfire events.Data from EPA and USFS.
• AirNow – Air Quality Index: Current air quality data and recommendations for how to stay safe during different categories of air pollution
• AirNow Wildfire Resources: Learn what to do before, during, and after smoke events
• State Smoke Blogs: maintained by states and agencies to aggregate current smoke and air quality information and health recommendations

• Current Burn Bansand Air Quality Advisories for Reservations in OR, ID, and WA
• Smoke Sense App: smoke/fire data, safety tips, option to report symptoms

Tools for Outreach & Keeping People Safe

• Wildfire Smoke and Personal Health: EPA factsheets and guidance on smoke’s health impacts
• #SmokeReady Tools: Tailorable graphics and social media posts by NW Air Quality Communicators
• Interagency Wildfire Air Quality Response Program: compilation of information on smoke readiness
• FEMA Wildfire Safety Outreach Kit: safety and preparedness messages for social media
• EPA’swildfire and indoor air resources
• EPAGuidance: how to create a roomwith cleaner indoor air
  • EPAGuide to Air Cleaners in the Home: how to select an air cleaner for your space
  • Videos on Do-It-Yourself Air Cleaners
    • WA Dept. of Ecology model one filter and a box fan
    • Colville Tribes model uses two filters and a box fan
    • Let’s Clear the Air– Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke: Video by Aleknagik Traditional Council and Alaska partners

    Schools & Children’s Health

    • Resources on smoke and children’s healthfor clinicians and communities from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU): posters, fact sheets, trainings.
    • Factsheet on protecting children from wildfire smoke and ash
    • Air Pollution and School Activities Guide from Washington State

    EPA Region 10 Contacts:

    Erin McTigue, Smoke Management Coordinator: [email protected] , 206-553-1254
    Sandra Brozusky, Tribal Air Team Lead, [email protected] , 206-553-5317
    Althea Godfrey, FARR Compliance, Burn Ban Lead, [email protected] , 206-553-1604

    Wildfire and Smoke Season

    • Suzanne Settle, Emergency Manager

    (Use the camera function on your smartphone to access the QR codes. If the links do not work, type the address in on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.)

    Air Now “Be Smoke Ready” message.

    Plan Ahead: Stock up; Give yourself more time; Talk with Healthcare Provider; Prepare.

    If you live in an area where the wildfire risk is high, take steps now to prepare for fire season. Being prepared for fire season is especially important for the health of children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.

    For More information:

    • Get air quality information: Check your local news, the airnow.gov website, or your state air quality agency’s website.
    • Learn about home air cleaners: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/guide-air-cleaners-home-0
    • Find certified air cleaning devices: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certif ed.htm
    • Learn how to use an N95 respirator mask: http://www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/Documents/Protect%20Your%20Lungs%20Respirator.pdf
    • Learn more about wildfire smoke: How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health: https://www.airnow.gov/airquality-and-health/how-smoke-from-fires-can-affect-your-health

    Wildfire Smoke Factsheet: Prepare for Fire Season: