Reducing wildfire smoke at home | The Emergency Planner

Smoke can reach you far from the fire. The plan is one cleaner room and a way to check the air.

Pick a room, ideally one you can sleep in, keep its windows and doors closed, and run a portable air cleaner sized for the room.

Check the air

Look up your local Air Quality Index at airnow.gov, or in a weather app that shows it.
Readings of 101 and up are unhealthy for sensitive groups, and 151 and up are unhealthy for everyone.
Children, older adults, pregnant people and people with asthma, heart or lung conditions are more sensitive.

Do not burn candles, incense or a fireplace.
Skip frying, broiling and vacuuming, which stir up fine particles.
If you have central air, ask your installer whether it can take a MERV 13 or higher filter.

Cloth and paper masks do not filter fine smoke. A NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator does, if it seals tightly.
CDC says children 2 and older can wear one if it fits. Ask your child's doctor if you are unsure.
Keep pets indoors as much as you can.
If you are told to leave, go. Take your go bag, medicines, pets and papers.

A short guide to cleaner air at home on smoky days.

Sources: CDC, Wildfire Smoke and Your Health; EPA AirNow; Ready.gov, Wildfires. Checked October 2026. General guidance, not medical advice.

General information for families, not legal, medical or financial advice. In an emergency, follow local officials and call 911.

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