Smoke first-hour survival checklist

Before you act

First-hour steps

1. Check AQI or local smoke forecasts before deciding whether to go outside.
2. Close windows, doors, fireplace dampers, and fresh-air intakes when outdoor smoke is heavy.
3. Set up one clean-air room with a HEPA purifier or approved filtration method.
4. Avoid indoor particle sources such as candles, frying, smoking, incense, and non-HEPA vacuuming.
5. Use a well-fitting N95, P100, or equivalent respirator outdoors if exposure cannot be avoided.
6. Prepare medication, inhalers, documents, pet supplies, and evacuation items in case fire conditions worsen.
7. Seek medical help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or worsening asthma symptoms.

Do not do this

• Do not use cloth masks as smoke protection.
• Do not exercise outdoors when AQI is unhealthy or smoke is visible.
• Do not add indoor particles with candles, frying, smoking, or fireplaces.
• Do not wait to prepare until flames are visible.
• Do not ignore symptoms in children, older adults, pregnant people, or people with asthma or heart disease.
• Do not run portable generators indoors during smoke-related power outages.

Kit items to check

• Waterproof Dry Bag · Keep IDs, medicine, power banks, and cash usable in heavy rain.
• NOAA Weather Radio · Reliable warnings when mobile networks or power are down.
• Compact First Aid Kit · Cuts, burns, sprains, and basic wound care after storms or evacuation.
• N95 Respirator Pack · Wildfire smoke, ash cleanup, dust, and poor air quality events.
• HEPA Air Purifier · Clean-air rooms during wildfire smoke, dust storms, or urban pollution spikes.