Image: FOX 6
Wildfire smoke is becoming an increasingly important preparedness concern for Southeast Wisconsin—and an emerging issue for organizations planning for summer health hazards and extreme weather.
The Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SEWI COAD) will explore this growing risk during its upcoming General Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 10, from 10:00–11:30 a.m.
The meeting is open to organizations interested in learning more about this topic or becoming a COAD member. There is no cost to attend or become a member. More information can be found at: www.sewicoad.org.
Featured Presentation: Incorporating Wildfire Smoke Events into Summer Health Hazard Planning
This July, Southeast Wisconsin experienced its most severe wildfire smoke event to date, pushing air quality into the “hazardous” category.
As wildfire smoke becomes a more frequent concern in the Midwest, organizations may need to consider how poor air quality affects their employees, clients, facilities, operations, communications, and the communities they serve.
Danika Hill-Paulus, Co-Executive Director of MKE FreshAir Collective, will discuss Milwaukee’s air quality, the health impacts of wildfire smoke, and community-driven approaches to reducing health disparities during poor air quality events.
The presentation will also provide an opportunity to consider how wildfire smoke can be incorporated into broader extreme weather, emergency preparedness, and organizational resilience planning.
Also on the Agenda
The meeting will include:
- Disaster recovery updates
- Upcoming training and exercise opportunities
- Partner connections and discussion
Meeting Details
Thursday, September 10, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Waukesha County Emergency Management
In-person with a virtual option
REGISTER FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10 MEETING
About SEWI COAD
The Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SEWI COAD) is a regional network that brings nonprofit, government, faith-based, private-sector, and other community organizations together to strengthen coordination before, during, and after disasters. Learn more at www.sewicoad.org.
SWHSP