Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health: Preparing for wildfire smoke events

You can do many thing to prepare yourself and your home for wildfire smoke events before the start of wildfire season, even if you live in an area with low wildfire risk.

On this page

• Prepare yourself for wildfire smoke events
• Prepare your home and vehicle for wildfire smoke events

Prepare yourself for wildfire smoke events

• Speak with a doctor or health care provider about how to manage your health during a wildfire smoke event especially if you, or members of your family, are in 1 or more of the groups more likely to be impacted.
• Maintain a supply of necessary medications at home and always carry these medications with you during wildfire season. Work with your health care provider to create a plan of what to do in case your medications are unable to stabilize your condition.
• Know the contact information for your local health authority in case you need more information about local cleaner air spaces.
• Ensure you have well-fitting NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirators (KN95 or KF94) if you must spend time outdoors.

Prepare your home and vehicle for wildfire smoke events

• Consider purchasing 1 or more certified, properly-sized portable air cleaners for your home.
• Replace or clean your air filters in your ventilation system or portable air cleaner according to the manufacturers recommendations.
• Have extra filters for your ventilation system or portable air cleaner(s).
• Ensure you have certified carbon monoxide alarms in your home that are in proper working order
• Change your vehicle's cabin air filter regularly according to the manufacturer instructions to ensure your filter remains effective.

Learn how to prepare for wildfire emergencies.