How to manage in a heatwave with wildfire smoke?

You aren't alone. It has been tough to navigate how to remain cool and maintain safe air quality indoors. These tips can help you in case these events overlap again in the future.

Preparing for a heatwave

• Check for “cooling centers” locations in advance of the heatwave. You can also look for public spaces with air conditioning (such as libraries, coffee shops or movie theatres) to visit during the hottest hours of the day. Call 211 for help locating cooling centers.
• Purchase fans to circulate air in your home. Some air conditioning pulls from outside air, so if you are in an area with wildfire smoke, be aware of what kind of air conditioning you have and if you should turn it off. Read Protecting Indoor Air from Wildfire Smoke, OSU Extension for more air quality recommendations.
• Cover any windows that face the sun. Covering with aluminum foil-covered cardboard, plain cardboard or dark fabrics in addition to curtains and blinds is effective for blocking out heat. You can open doors and windows when the temperatures drop at night to cool off your interior.
• Make sure pets and livestock have access to shade and plenty of water. Add barn fans and misters to indoor barn areas to provide air circulation and cooling.
• Stay hydrated during the heatwave. We also recommend keeping light, ready-to-eat foods on hand to avoid using appliances such as stoves or ovens.

Preparing for wildfire evacuation

• Assemble an emergency kit and keep your car keys with you. Food and water, medications, first-aid equipment and important documents are all important items to include. Read Survival Basics: Emergency Kits for more information.
• Turn off home systems and appliances and move flammable objects. Read our checklist, How to prepare your home for a wildfire evacuation, OSU Extension for specific recommendations.