How To Protect Against Wildfire Smoke
As wildfire activity continues across parts of Canada, smoke has once again drifted into portions of the Northeast, resulting in hazy conditions and air quality concerns throughout New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.
While the visual impacts of wildfire smoke often receive the most attention, the more significant concern is what may be present in the air. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), soot, ash, and other combustion by-products can affect both outdoor and indoor environments and may pose concerns for sensitive populations, schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and residential properties.
Following wildfire smoke events, property owners and facility managers should consider:
- Indoor air quality assessments
- HVAC system evaluations and filtration reviews
- Soot, ash, and particulate impact assessments
- Environmental testing and sampling
- Building condition evaluations
- Remediation guidance and protocols
The EPA has released a series of helpful resources related to the wildfire smoke, including its AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and other ways to protect your family from wildfire smoke. Additionally, H2M’s multidisciplinary team of environmental scientists, industrial hygienists, engineers, architects, and building consultants can assist clients in evaluating potential impacts and developing practical response strategies.
As smoke conditions continue to affect communities throughout the region, H2M remains available to support property owners, municipalities, educational facilities, healthcare organizations, and insurance professionals with technical expertise and responsive service. If you need assistance with assessing your building or would like to assign an insurance claim, please contact us at claims@h2m.com. To learn more about our Insurance Market, please visit our market page here.
