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Smoke from the western wildfires has reached the East Coast

Posted at 5:04 AM, Sep 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 19:14:41-04

Smoke from the raging wildfires on the West Coast has reached the eastern seaboard.

Images from a NASA satellite show clouds of smoke stretching from coast to coast.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the smoke made its way east in two different directions. One trail of smoke crossed the Great Lakes region and reached upstate New York. Another path of smoke wound its way through Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and into the Mid-Atlantic.

Some of the smoke even drifted up into Canada.

The wildfires have led to hazardous air quality along parts of the West Coast, but air quality in most of the eastern U.S. is not affected.

ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

  • Easily carried valuables
  • Family photos and other irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.