How Natural Disasters Affect Air Quality and Why It Matters
When natural disasters occur near where you live, the particle pollution they produce has the potential to get inside your home and increase the levels of indoor particulate matter (PM) in the air. Inhaling large amounts of PM is irritating to your lungs and can cause long-term damage over time. Some individuals, including children, pregnant women, older adults and those with certain medical conditions, may be especially susceptible to the negative effects of changes to indoor air quality. Even if you're not experiencing issues from poor air quality immediately, you could still experience the effects years later, so it’s important to take precautions to keep the air you and your loved ones are breathing safe and clean.
How Different Disasters Affect Your Air Quality and What to Do to Protect Yourself
A combination of prevention beforehand and quick action following them can help keep your home's air clean during severe weather events and natural disasters. Consider indoor air quality testing to ensure your home's air is safe.
Always follow instructions from officials and medical professionals for safety.
Wildfires and Volcanic Eruptions
These types of natural disasters tend to generate smoke and ash. When volcanoes erupt they can release harmful gases that may make it hard to breathe. Even if these events occur hundreds of miles away from where you live, your indoor air quality can still be affected. Monitor air quality alerts in your local area so you’re aware of when a distant fire or eruption could negatively impact you.
It's important to keep your windows closed during any outdoor high pollution events. Air out your home when the air quality improves, but close your windows if it worsens again. Wearing N95 respirator face masks outdoors can help protect you from inhaling smoke and other fine particles.
If wildfires or volcanic eruptions are of particular concern in your area, you might want to consider installing a high-efficiency filter in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Use a portable air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time or use a whole-house air purifier.
Flooding From Hurricanes and Other Storms
Severe flooding due to heavy rain puts your home at risk for mold buildup, which is bad for your air quality. Standing water after a flood can breed microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria as well. When you’re exposed to any of these organisms, they can spread disease and trigger allergic reactions even after the storm is over. Ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed prior to storms to keep as much moisture out of your home as possible.
If you need to evacuate your home, don't reoccupy it until professionals have told you that it's safe and the mold has been removed. Before you begin cleaning up mold or excess water, take pictures of your home and belongings so that your insurance company can understand how much damage your home has taken.
For extensive mold damage, leave the cleanup to the professionals. See the EPA's guidelines for mold cleanup for more information.
When you do begin cleaning up, wear an N95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves. Clean up mold using water and detergent. Remove all the mold you can see and then dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible.
Severe Winter Weather
In some regions of the United States, extreme winter storms may cause power outages, which will cause homes to lose heat.
Never use a fuel-powered generator or grill indoors. These devices release carbon monoxide (CO), a dangerous, odorless gas. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home to alert you if the level in your air has gotten dangerously high. Make sure that your alarm is battery-powered or at least has a battery backup for when you lose power. If you have an indoor wood stove or fireplace, make sure you burn only dry wood. Burning wood with a moisture content of over 20% can create more smoke that contains harmful chemicals, which can negatively affect both the air quality in your home and the structure of your chimney.
Prevent your pipes from bursting by leaving all water taps open slightly so they can drip continuously and allow heated air to reach your pipes. Burst pipes carry the potential for mold to grow, which can cause air quality issues down the road. Make sure snowdrifts don't cover any of your home's outside vents to improve ventilation.