Massive wildfires burning across the Northwest are creating smoky conditions this week that may travel thousands of miles from the Northwest as far south as the Gulf Coast.

Poor air quality will spread into the middle of the country, then move south and east, possibly all the way to Florida. Other areas will experience hazy skies.

BLOOD SUPPLY CRISIS Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, deepening an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country. Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand — which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation’s blood supply. Don’t wait. Those who may be eligible are urged to book an appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ABOUT THE SMOKE Follow the advice of local officials regarding the air quality where you live and work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles that can make anyone sick. People with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, who are pregnant and children and responders are especially at risk.

Breathing in the smoke can cause almost immediate effects such as coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and irritated sinuses, headaches, being tired, chest pain and a fast heartbeat.

Most importantly, try to keep the smoke outside.

• Keep windows and doors closed. Choose a room you can close off from outside air.
• Use fans and air conditioning to stay cool.
• Set up a portable air cleaner or a filter to keep the air in this room clean even if it’s smoky in the rest of the building and outdoors. 
• Avoid using candles, gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or aerosol sprays and don’t fry or broil meat, smoke tobacco products or vacuum.
• If you have a central air conditioning system, use high efficiency filters to capture fine particles from the smoke. If your system has a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper.
• If you’re in your car, set the air to recirculate.
• Pay attention to any health symptoms if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or are pregnant. Get medical help if you need it.
• Use N95 face masks or respirator masks. Make sure to cover both your nose and mouth.