How to deal with smoke and ash exposure

Posted by GSVentura -

Keep your doors, windows and dampers closed. Stay indoors to minimize exposure -- especially if you have respiratory ailments. Here are some other things to consider when dealing with large amounts of ash fall:

Wash ash off children's toys before children play with them.

Clean ash off house pets.

Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts, and long pants and avoid skin contact.

If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.

If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees, wash the fruit or vegetables thoroughly before eating them.

Avoid getting ash into the air as much as possible. Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions that will put ash into the air.

Shop vacuums and other common vacuum cleaners do not filter out small particles, but rather blow such particles out the exhaust into the air where they can be breathed. The use of shop vacuums and other non-HEPA filter vacuums is not recommended. HEPA filter vacuums could be used, if available.

Well fitting dust masks may provide some protection during cleanup. A mask rated N-95 or P-100 will be more effective than simpler dust or surgical masks in blocking particles from ash. In general, many ash particles are larger than those found in smoke; thus, wearing a dust mask can significantly reduce (but not completely eliminate) the amount of particles inhaled.

Persons with heart or lung disease should consult their physician during ash fall. • Gentle sweeping of indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping is the best procedure in most cases. A damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed on lightly dusted areas. • Avoid washing ash into storm drains whenever possible.

If ash is wet down, use as little water as possible.

Collected ash may be disposed of in the regular trash. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.

Original Post: 08/17/2007

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