Current risk data

Wildfire Smoke Survival Guide

Smoke Advisory · Western US · Demo

Reduce particle exposure and prepare clean indoor air.

What is wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can travel far from the fire. It can worsen asthma, heart disease, pregnancy risk, and breathing symptoms.

A good first-hour plan is to check AQI, close air leaks, create one cleaner room, reduce indoor particle sources, and use properly fitted respirators outdoors.

First-hour steps

  1. Check AQI and local fire updates.
  2. Close windows, doors, and fresh-air intakes.
  3. Create a clean-air room with a HEPA purifier if available.
  4. Use N95 or P100 respirators outdoors.
  5. Prepare medication, documents, and evacuation items.

What NOT to do

Do not use cloth masks for smoke protection.

Do not burn candles, fry food, or vacuum if indoor air is smoky.

Do not wait to prepare until flames are visible.

Do not ignore symptoms in children, older adults, or people with asthma.

Emergency kit for smoke

Amazon links are placed in the kit section for P0. Choose gear that fits your household and local emergency guidance.

Flood

Waterproof Dry Bag

Keep IDs, medicine, power banks, and cash usable in heavy rain.

View on Amazon
Alerts

NOAA Weather Radio

Reliable warnings when mobile networks or power are down.

View on Amazon
Medical

Compact First Aid Kit

Cuts, burns, sprains, and basic wound care after storms or evacuation.

View on Amazon
Air

N95 Respirator Pack

Wildfire smoke, ash cleanup, dust, and poor air quality events.

View on Amazon
Air

HEPA Air Purifier

Clean-air rooms during wildfire smoke, dust storms, or urban pollution spikes.

View on Amazon

FAQ

Do cloth masks protect against wildfire smoke?

No. Use a properly fitted N95, KN95, P100, or similar respirator for particle protection.

How do I make a clean-air room?

Choose one room, close windows and doors, seal gaps if possible, and run a HEPA purifier or approved filter setup.

When should I leave a smoky area?

Follow evacuation orders immediately. Also consider leaving if symptoms worsen or indoor air cannot be kept reasonably clean.

Next survival step

Build your emergency kit