
Breathing Easy Amid Wildfire Smoke: Practical Safety Steps
During wildfires, smoke and ash threaten health. Stay indoors when air quality is poor and limit outdoor time, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, with a plan for medications. If you must go outside, wear a tight-fitting NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 mask. Improve indoor air with clean furnace/AC filters or a DIY HEPA purifier; if using a generator, place it at least 20 feet from the home and use CO detectors. After the smoke clears, wear protection while cleaning, damp-wipe surfaces, wash ash from toys and pets, and vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum.












