As wildfire activity increases across many parts of the country, you may be serving families while also navigating poor air quality and other wildfire-related challenges in your own communities.

To help you stay informed and prepared, NFDA encourages members to review these trusted resources from federal agencies. They offer practical guidance on protecting your health, monitoring local air quality and preparing for wildfire smoke.

Visit the links below to access these resources and share them with your staff as appropriate.

• CDC: Information on the health effects of wildfire smoke and steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
  • CDC Wildfire Information: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/about/index.html
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Fact sheets on wildfire smoke and health, along with a Smoke Ready Toolbox to help individuals and communities prepare.
  • EPA Wildfire Smoke & Health Factsheets: https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/wildfire-smoke-and-health-factsheets
  • EPA Smoke Ready Toolbox: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires
• AirNow: Check current air quality conditions and wildfire smoke near you using the interactive Fire and Smoke Map, and access tips on how to be smoke ready.
  • AirNow Fire & Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/
  • AirNow Be Smoke Ready: https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/
• NOAA: View smoke forecasting tools to monitor wildfire smoke movement and changing conditions.
  • NOAA Smoke Forecasting: https://www.arl.noaa.gov/hysplit/smoke-forecasting/

Whether you’re working outdoors, traveling to services or simply planning ahead, these resources can help you make informed decisions during wildfire season.