WHAT

Public Health

Smoke is a product of combustion and is inherent to fire. The effects of smoke are felt by communities, regardless of whether those fires are beneficial to the landscape or not. Those with pre-existing conditions, those who work outdoors, and those who are unhoused are some of the individuals who may be particularly vulnerable to smoke impacts.

Smoke isn’t the only element of public health that matters to communities seeking to better live with wildland fire. Mental health is another critical element of adaptation. Whether communities or individuals have been impacted by smoke, recovering from wildfire, or work in the wildfire field , mental health impacts should be considered.  One question to consider when working to reduce wildfire risk and increase community resilience is “Who do I need to invite to this discussion to ensure that we are considering community mental and physical well-being while living with wildfire?”

Public Health entities are important partners in our wildfire adaptation work. See considerations and resources below.

Considerations

1
Social services are a crucial component of community resiliency. How are you reaching your whole community (including those who speak English as a second language, migrant workers and unhoused community members) with information about health, safety and preparedness related to wildland fire? Which of your partners are already engaging with these community members and can you work together to better serve your community?
2
Public health is an important part of disaster management. From sheltering during a pandemic, to environmental health after a fire (such as soil or water contamination), to communication about water quality impacts and more, public health partners are crucial in this work. Who are the public health partners in your area? Do you have working relationships or can you work to establish them?
3
Practitioners who work in this field are not invincible to stress or burnout. It is important that the wildland fire and disaster management community recognize, acknowledge, and address the signs of burnout and stress in ourselves and our colleagues. Read more from some colleagues here: https://fireadaptednetwork.org/burnout-and-stress-in-the-practitioner-community/.

EXPLORE Public Health RESOURCES

  • WHO

  • WHERE

  • FORMAT

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Found 44 Results

Prepare for Power Down: Public Safety Power Shutoff

Website / Interactive Map
California-based utilities
This website provides resources for Californians who receive their power through Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and SDGE. The website also includes training materials, communications tools, utility contact information and more. A good example of consolidated information for consumers. Read More

Power Safety Shutoff Backup Battery Options for Consumers

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Disability Disaster Access & Resources (Program of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers)
Program for Californians who rely on batteries for low voltage assistive technology or durable medical equipment. Available in English: Chttps://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ddar-backup-battery-options-08182020-OPTIMIZED.pdf Available in Spanish: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/spanish-ddar-backupbatteryoptions-08192020-OPTIMIZED.pdf Read More

Planning Framework for Protecting Commercial Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfire Events

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE (formerly the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) offers guidance that recommends heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and building measures to minimize occupant exposures and health impacts from smoke during wildfire and prescribed burn smoke events. Read More

Particle Pollution and Your Patients’ Health

Website / Interactive Map
US Environmental Protection Agency
This course is designed for family medicine physicians, internists, pediatricians, occupational and rehabilitation physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, asthma educators, pulmonary specialists, cardiologists, and other medical professionals.  Learn about the biological mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular and respiratory effects associated with particle pollution exposure and educational tools available to help patients protect their health.        Read More

Oregon Health Authority’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Toolkit for Wildfires

Database
State of Oregon
This SmartSheet provides a database of resources in multiple languages to communicate with the public during disasters. Topics include how to clean up outdoor ash, the right respirator and fit, keeping food safe during an emergency, getting emergency refills from a pharmacy, and more. While many of the resources are from Oregon, some are national... Read More

Montana Wildfire Smoke

Website / Interactive Map
Climate Smart Missoula
The Montana Wildfire Smoke website is a great resource for Montana community members and businesses to learn about wildfire smoke impacts and how to prepare and mitigate for smoke. The website contains links to real-time smoke conditions and resources. The Montana Smoke website contains a number of great videos. Two short animated videos produced by Climate Smart Missoula highlight... Read More

HEPA Filter Community Programs: A Whole Community Approach

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
Information and tips for starting an individual or residential community HEPA Filter program. Read More

Helping Children Cope with Disaster

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency
This booklet offers parents, caregivers, and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster, as well as how to be prepared before a disaster strikes. Read More

Helping Children Cope After a Disaster

Video
Federal Emergency Management Agency
This video resource about how to help children cope after a disaster is in American Sign Language. Closed captioning is available in English, Chinese, German, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. Read More

Health Tips for Dealing with Wildfire Smoke

Video
USDA Forest Service
This short video from the USDA Forest Service provides tips for keeping yourself safe during periods of wildfire smoke. Read More
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Photo Credit: Canva Creative Commons
Community Profile
Fire Adaptation in the Field
Ashland, Oregon

Partners in Ashland Oregon, including Ashland Fire & Rescue, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, local health departments, and area medical providers convened to create Smokewise Ashland, a partnership focused on public health and economic resiliency needs related to wildfire. Smokewise Ashland shares information related to indoor and outdoor air quality as well as steps area residents can take to reduce their risks.

Photo Credit: Chris Chambers. Ashland Fire & Rescue staff disassemble an air purifier to understand its components.