Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke Support

The City is working on efforts to ensure that Bellingham community members are prepared for local climate change impacts, including higher temperatures and more frequent and intense wildfires in the region. As part of these efforts, the City has partnered with community organizations to provide safe environments for people during times of extreme heat or poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. Prolonged exposure to heat or smoke can negatively impact human health, especially for those with respiratory diseases, heart conditions, or other health issues.

Free Programs

We provide free, simple cooling and air filtering devices to people who can’t leave their homes and are vulnerable to the negative health effects of extreme heat and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. This program is for Bellingham community members who do not have air conditioning or air filtration in their homes and are unable to easily access cool or smoke-free spaces outside their home.

How to participate

  1. Call or email the City of Bellingham at climate@cob.org or 360-778-7965 to request a fan and air filter.
  2. City staff will deliver the fan and filter to your home and set it up for you in the desired location. They can also provide tips on how to keep your home cool and reduce your exposure to smoke.

Health and Safety Tips

Prolonged exposure to temperatures of 80°F (27°C) and above can impact the health of individuals, especially children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions. Heat-related illnesses can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The CDC has tips to stay safe when it is hot outside, some of them are included below:

  • Avoid direct sun exposure
  • Limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening
  • Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water and clear liquids
  • Take a cool bath or shower
  • Find shade if you are outside
  • Wear sunscreen
  • Spend time in air-conditioned spaces
    • If your residence doesn’t have air conditioning, then consider visiting public spaces that do:
      • Visit a community center such as a library
      • Walk or shop at a mall
      • Go to a movie
      • Access a cool space at a building of an organization participating in the City’s Day Facilities program
  • Stay informed on weather conditions

Wildfire smoke is air pollution. It contains very small particles that can end up deep in the lungs. Extended exposure to poor air quality from wildfire smoke can cause symptoms such as throat irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and chest pain. People with respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to air pollutants and their associated impacts. The CDC has tips to stay safe during wildfires and poor air quality. Some of these tips are shared below:

  • Limit time outdoors, avoid outdoor exercise
  • When indoors, keep windows closed as much as possible
  • Wear a respirator as advised by your doctor
  • Check on at-risk loved ones or neighbors
  • Visit one of the buildings of an organization participating in the City’s Day Facilities program
  • Track outdoor air quality on AirNow
  • Check the Washington Smoke Blog to find updates on Washington State smoke conditions
Smoky sunset. Pink sun in sky reflecting off of lake surrounded by trees.
“Smoky Fall Afternoon” by Alec Babbit. Photo taken from Alabama Hill.

Resources

Contact

Phone: (360) 778-7965
Email: cfogelsong@cob.org

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