Keeping children safe during wildfires
Recent wildfires in the mountains have parents worried about their children’s safety. With air quality fluctuating with the wind’s speed and direction, some parents may let their child out to play only to wonder a few minutes later if the air might be too risky to stay out for long. What’s the key to keeping children safe during wildfires?
Pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Steven Snodgrass, medical director of Pediatric Pulmonology at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Upstate, offered advice for parents worried about keeping their kids safe while wildfires rage.
Dr. Snodgrass discussed the level of risk children with existing respiratory conditions may be dealing with in the Upstate while the Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires continue to burn, noting that visible smoke (which parents may have noticed appearing as a sort of ‘haze’ in the air or a muting/yellowing of visible sunlight) is only one sign of the need to stay indoors when you can.
Any individual can be at risk when it comes to poor air quality, and there are steps you can take to combat poor air quality due to wildfires and things you can do if you notice an air quality alert popping up on your phone or the news.
Get kid-friendly care
Our pediatric experts can help your kids and teens be their healthiest.
Find a Pediatric Doctor