Lots of new fires out there this week folks!!

BE SURE TO CHECK THE AREA YOU PLAN TO HIKE OR BACKPACK THE DAY YOU PLAN TO GO!

As it’s typically part of a good safety plan to check access roads and weather before heading into the backcountry let’s add one more detail – Air Quality Index (AQI)
Seattle has been in the red zone for over a week now! It’s not recommended at all for your over all health to exercise in this kind of air quality so here is what the Department of Health (DOH) recommends:

Inhaling wildfire smoke can be dangerous and irritate your eyes, nose, throat or lungs. 

The Washington State Department of Health recommends staying indoors and reducing physical activity in smoky conditions. 

If you’re extremely bothered by the smoke, the DOH said a mask called a “particulate respirator” can help protect your lungs. 

Use: N95 or N100 with two straps that can go around your head. 

DO NOT USE: One-strap paper dust mask, a surgical mask, a bandana, towel (wet or dry), or tissue.

Using respirator masks can make breathing more difficult, so check with your doctor if you already have a lung or heart disease. 

The DOH said respirator masks shouldn’t be used on young children or people with beards because they don’t seal well. 

Learn more about protecting yourself from the Department of Health. 

#knowbeforeyougo