How to Avoid the Dangers of Driving in Smoke From Fires
In many western states, the end of summer brings the beginning of wildfire season. The risk of wildfires is highest from August through November. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that this year, 87 large wildland fires have burned over 4.7 million acres across the nation. Wildfires can cause devastation and the smoke from fires brings its own risks. Here we will discuss wildfires, health effects of wildfire smoke, and tips for driving in smoke from fires.
We hope your family avoids the dangers of smoke from fires. If you are driving in wildfire smoke and another driver injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. We provide you with some of the very best car accident lawyers in the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Where Are the Wildfires?
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the following states are currently reporting large fires:
- Arizona (1)
- California (23)
- Colorado (4)
- Idaho (13)
- Montana (9)
- Nevada (1)
- Oregon (12)
- South Dakota (1)
- Utah (6)
- Washington (15)
- Wyoming (2)
Smoke from the wildfires is not isolated to the above states. Several news agencies are reporting that smoke from the wildfires is reaching the East Coast.
Wildfires are dangerous, causing injury and even death. Driving during a wildfire increases your chances of injury. If you are injured by another driver, seek medical help immediately. Once you receive proper medical treatment, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. You won’t have to worry about affordability, as we work on a contingency basis – we don’t get paid unless we get you compensation. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada and we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Is a Prescribed Fire?
Not all fires are accidental. Some fires are planned and set on purpose. A prescribed fire is a planned fire used to meet management objectives. These types of fires are also known as prescribed burns or controlled burns. According to the United States Forest Service a prescribed fire can do the following:
- Reduce hazardous fuels. Protecting human communities from extreme fires.
- Minimize the spread of pest insects and disease.
- Remove unwanted species that threaten species native to an ecosystem.
- Provide forage for game.
- Improve the habitat for threatened and endangered species.
- Recycle nutrients back to the soil.
- Promote the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants.
A controlled burn still emits heavy smoke and can cause hazardous driving conditions. Hazardous driving conditions can lead to a car accident. If you are the victim in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation. We know how to deal with insurance companies and will take on the responsibility of building your case and aggressively pursuing compensation on your behalf. Leave your case to us, and concentrate on recovering from your injuries. Call us now to schedule your free consultation.
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Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke can have severe health implications. Being outdoors and driving exposes individuals to these health implications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following people are more likely to get sick from wildfire smoke:
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with preexisting heart conditions
- Children
- People with preexisting respiratory conditions
The CDC further warns that breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
The best way to avoid the impacts of smoke is to avoid smoke. However, this is not always possible. If you are in an area with heavy smoke, then your safest option is to reduce smoke exposure.
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How to Reduce Smoke Exposure Outdoors
The easiest way to reduce smoke exposure from wildfires is to stay indoors. However, this is not always an option. If you have to venture outdoors in an area of heavy smoke, you may be wondering how to reduce smoke exposure. The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides the following tips to reduce smoke exposure outdoors:
- Avoid strenuous activity and take it easy during smoky times. This reduces the amount of smoke a person inhales. Strenuous activities to avoid include mowing the lawn or going for a run.
- Know the air quality. Smoke levels can change a lot during the day. Wait for the air quality to improve before engaging in outdoor activities. Check your state or local air quality agency’s website or airnow.gov for air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions.
- Have enough food and medication on hand to last several days. This reduces the need to go outside for supplies.
- Do not rely on dust masks or bandanas for protection from smoke. If you must be out in smoky conditions, a “particulate respirator” may provide some protection by filtering out fine particles in the smoke.
Wildfire smoke impacts health and can make outdoor activities dangerous. This includes driving. If you have to drive, we hope you stay safe and healthy with our below driving tips. If another driver injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. You may not realize the advantage you can get from having a top personal injury lawyer represent you. An attorney that knows how to analyze all the facts and build a case is a key asset as you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
That’s why you need award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers. We are a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we serve clients in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Reno and Clark County. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Tips for Driving in Smoke From Fires
The safest option is to avoid driving in smoke from fires. Smoke from fires can have harmful health effects and create dangerous driving conditions. If you have to drive, use the following tips for driving in smoke from fires:
- Proceed with caution. Drive slowly and stay alert for other drivers.
- Look out for animals. Fires force animals to leave their habitats and animals may end up on the road.
- Turn on your headlights. Smoke reduces visibility. Headlights will help others on the road see you.
- Roll up the windows. Set the fan to recirculate.
- Check the car’s air filters. Clogged or dirty filters are less effective.
Even the most cautious driver can be injured in an accident. If you or a loved one are injured by another driver, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
If another party injures you in a motor vehicle accident, you should seek medical help immediately. Once you have received medical help, seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. The experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers can help protect your rights and get you the personal injury settlement that you deserve. You could try to represent yourself and go against the other party’s insurance company on your own, but it’s actually best to leave this to personal injury lawyers because they know how to handle all aspects of a case. This includes how to navigate dealings with insurers. Don’t receive less compensation than you deserve. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers today.
If you are looking for a law firm with experienced personal injury lawyers contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today. We are the Las Vegas personal injury law firm that can provide you with the representation you deserve. Our phone number is (702) 857-6000. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
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