How to Keep Your Gloucester County Home Safe from Wildfire Smoke: Tips for Glassboro, Washington Twp, and Nearby Areas

Keeping Your Home Safe During the Gloucester County Wildfires: Tips to Minimize Smoke Impact

Residents across Gloucester County are currently experiencing unprecedented smoke conditions due to the Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area. This wildfire has impacted many towns, including Glassboro, Washington Township, Williamstown, and beyond, as emergency services work tirelessly to manage the situation.

With the smoke filling our air and seeping into homes, it’s no surprise that many residents are dealing with smoke alarms going off and general concerns about indoor air quality. While we wait for conditions to improve, here are some helpful steps to keep your home environment as safe and smoke-free as possible.

Tips for Reducing Smoke Inside Your Home

1. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

Close all windows and doors to reduce the amount of smoke entering your home. If you need ventilation, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter instead of opening windows.

2. Limit Outdoor Air Exposure for Pets and Family Members

If possible, avoid going outdoors with pets or family members during times of high smoke concentration. Keeping everyone indoors can help reduce exposure to smoke and other airborne irritants.

3. Turn Off HVAC Systems That Draw in Outside Air

If you have an HVAC system that brings in outdoor air, switch it off temporarily or set it to recirculate indoor air to prevent additional smoke from entering.

4. Use HEPA Air Purifiers

Running HEPA air purifiers in common areas like the living room or bedrooms can help capture fine smoke particles, improving indoor air quality. Place them in rooms you spend the most time in for optimal benefits.

5. Keep a Close Eye on Smoke Detectors and CO Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms may go off intermittently as smoke particles enter the home. Make sure these alarms are functioning properly, but if they sound without visible fire, it may just be a result of the smoke infiltration.

6. Avoid Activities That Could Add More Particles to the Air

Activities like burning candles, using a gas stove, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter can add more particles to the air. It’s best to avoid these until smoke levels subside.

How Professional Cleaning Can Help Once Conditions Improve

When the smoke eventually clears, lingering particles may still be present on surfaces and upholstery, impacting indoor air quality. A deep cleaning can help remove these particles and freshen your home after this smoke event. Some recommended cleaning steps include:

• Wiping down all surfaces to remove settled smoke particles

• Vacuuming with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles from carpets and upholstery

• Washing linens, curtains, and soft surfaces to eliminate any smoke smell

• Cleaning window tracks and sills where smoke may have settled

If you’re interested in scheduling a deep clean to help restore your home’s indoor air quality, CleanEffects is here to help. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on returning to a fresh, worry-free environment.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

We encourage all residents to stay updated on the latest conditions by following reports from local emergency management and fire departments, including the Glassboro Office of Emergency Management, Washington Township Fire Department, and other Gloucester County officials.

As of now, there are no evacuation orders, but this may change as conditions evolve. Keep doors and windows shut, and monitor wind conditions as they may affect smoke patterns across different areas.

At CleanEffects, we’re committed to helping our community through this challenging time. If you have questions about keeping your home safe or would like information on smoke removal cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay safe, everyone, and let’s support one another during these smoky days.

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