New Brunswick is facing wildfires in several regions this season, and even if the flames are far away, drifting smoke can still make its way into our homes and businesses. At Stanley Mutual, protecting our communities is what we do best. We want to help you stay comfortable and safe, so we’ve gathered some practical tips you can use right away to keep smoke out and maintain clean indoor air.
- Seal Your Home to Keep Smoke Out
The best way to protect your indoor air is to prevent smoke from entering in the first place:
- Keep all windows and doors closed during smoke events.
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, vents, and other openings with weatherstripping or caulking.
- If your HVAC system has a fresh air intake, turn it off or set it to recirculate indoor air only to avoid bringing smoky air inside.
- Use plastic sheeting or draft blockers on doors or windows if needed to improve sealing.
- Filter Indoor Air Effectively
Improving indoor air quality helps reduce smoke particles and keeps you more comfortable:
- Use a portable HEPA air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time. Make sure the purifier is sized appropriately for the space.
- Upgrade your furnace or central air filter to a high-efficiency (HEPA or MERV 13+) filter during wildfire season.
- Run your HVAC fan continuously to keep air circulating through the filter.
- Change filters more frequently during heavy smoke events to maintain effectiveness.
- Minimize Indoor Pollution
Reducing other sources of indoor air pollution helps keep air cleaner during smoky conditions:
- Avoid burning candles, incense, or using gas stoves and fireplaces.
- Clean your vacuum HEPA filter.
- Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only, when necessary, as these can pull smoky air in from outside if your home isn’t well sealed.
- Protect Yourself Outdoors
If you need to be outside during smoke events, take precautions to protect your health:
- Wear an N95 or P100 mask to filter fine smoke particles from the air.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially if air quality is poor.
- Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks indoors if you must be outside.
Supporting Our Communities
Wildfires can be challenging, but small actions can make a big difference in protecting your health, home, and business. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, reach out to your Stanley Mutual agent.
Please share these tips with your friends, family, and neighbours. Helping each other stay safe strengthens our whole community.
We are here to support our communities because when challenges arise, we face them together.
At Stanley Mutual, we know that together we are stronger.