We know the devastating damage that can be done by a natural disaster. Every year, natural disasters impact around 160 million people worldwide. But did you know that in addition to the visible damage caused, there’s invisible damage being done to the air we breathe, inside our home and out? Each region of the United States has its own set of disasters to worry about throughout the year. Think to yourself: are you at risk for wildfires? How about red tide? No matter where you are located, these events can impact you, your family, your home, and your air. So, let’s talk about air quality in relation to common natural disasters and how to combat associated Indoor Air Quality issues.

When it comes to natural disasters, preparation is key. We prepare, typically, by purchasing insurance, evacuating, investing in disaster-proof construction materials, and much more. And while these efforts may help protect us from an incoming wildfire or flood, we still see damage littered throughout our community and state long after the disaster has passed. While there’s a wealth of damage we can see (to houses, local businesses, trees, wildlife, etc.), there’s damage that we can’t see, including mold spores, dangerous chemicals, poor outdoor air quality, and even indoor air concerns. We don’t normally think of indoor air concerns when we think of natural disasters, considering most disasters happen outside of our homes. Truly, how can something happening outside impact the inside?

The Importance of Healthy Air Indoors

Creating a Healthy Home environment, filled with Healthy Air, should be a priority for all. Bringing Healthy Air into the home can yield many benefits for your health, body, mind, and overall wellbeing. Let’s take a look at some:

• Reduced illness
• Eliminated pests
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Better sleep
• Lowered energy costs
• Increased home value
• Lowered stress

Without the right solutions to promote Healthy Air, your home could be filled with dirty, polluted air. In fact, the air inside your home is five times more polluted than the air outside. So, just think about how polluted your home’s air could be after a disaster hits close to your community.

Protecting Your Indoor Air from Outdoor Intruders

When any disaster hits, the outside is compromised—and it’s obvious. From smog and smoke in the air to rainwater and flash flood damage on the ground, post-disaster damage can range from light to severe which can impact your home, belongings, community, and family. Each natural disaster creates a unique problem for our air quality. Take a look at how some frequent and well-known disasters can impact the State of Your Air:

• A hurricane can promote mold growth
• A flash flood can bring toxic, harmful chemicals into your home and promote mold growth
• A drought creates potential poor air quality and long-term respiratory health issues
• A wildfire fills your home with smoke, which can create long-term health concerns

For a full look at how disasters in your area can impact your health and the air you breathe, check out this resource.

With all this knowledge, we need solutions. How can we help you protect your home and family from polluted air? We want to introduce you to the AprilAire Healthy Air System^®.

Find an AprilAire Healthy Air Professional

Start your Healthy Air journey with one of the 4,500 pros nationwide so you can fill your home with fresh, clean air.

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What is the AprilAire Healthy Air System^®?

This system, comprised of fresh air ventilation, air filtration, and humidity control, is designed to promote Healthy Air in your home all year long. How? Read on.

Fresh Air Ventilation

An AprilAire whole-home ventilation system is critical to maintaining a Healthy Home environment. Fresh air is not only clean and refreshing, but ventilation can help dilute and remove contaminants that enter your home, like carbon monoxide, ozone, pollen, airborne viruses, mold spores, and more.

Air Filtration

Proper filtration of both the air in your home and incoming ventilated air is key to removing unwanted particles. Installing an AprilAire whole-home air purifier will help decrease stagnant indoor air pollution and, in turn, provide your family with clean, healthy, breathable air. Our purifiers create Healthy Air by reducing contaminants that linger in your home, like dust mites, pollen, mold spores, gases, chemicals, and smoke.

Humidity Control

Proper humidity levels help reduce the transmission of viruses and can stifle mold growth in your home. Typically, it’s best to keep your home’s humidity between 40-60 percent for optimal results. Controlling your humidity can be done through dehumidification and humidification.

High humidity is a breeding ground for indoor pollutants. An AprilAire dehumidifier is used when your home’s humidity is too high, protecting your family and home from the dangers of excess moisture like odors, mildew, high energy bills, and more.

An AprilAire humidifier is used when your home’s humidity is too low, combatting the effects of dry air. Humidifiers help reduce dust mites, allergens, and asthma symptoms. Plus, it can keep your family feeling well all winter long.

Getting Healthy Air in your home is easy. We can help you remove airborne dust, allergens, bacteria, and viruses before, during, and after a disaster threatens your area. See how a Healthy Air Professional in your area can help keep you and your family safe and healthy at home – take the first step today.

Learn more about natural disasters and the State of Your Air in your region.