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Forest fire and wildfire smoke: How to protect yourself

If there is smoke: 

• Stay inside with windows and doors shut. 
• Use the recycle or recirculate mode on the air conditioner in your home or car. 
• Avoid cooking and vacuuming. They can increase pollutants indoors. 
• Avoid physical exertion. 
• Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan. 
• Keep at least a five-day supply of medication on hand. 
• Contact your doctor if you have chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. This is important for people with chronic lung or heart disease AND for people who have not been previously diagnosed with such diseases. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of illness. 
• Keep airways moist by drinking lots of water. Breathe through a warm, wet washcloth to help relieve dryness. 
• A fitted mask (OSHA N95) can reduce smoke exposure unless it interferes with breathing. A dust mask will not protect you from smoke.

If you see a wildfire approaching your home or community, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If it is safe to do so, and if there is time before the fire arrives, take the following action: 

• Close all windows and doors in the house. 
• Cover vents, windows, and other openings of the house with duct tape and/or precut pieces of plywood. 
• Park your car, unlocked, with the keys in the ignition and positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed. Have your valuables already packed in your car. 
• Turn off propane or natural gas. Move any propane barbeques into the open, away from structures. 
• Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage, and yard to aid visibility in case smoke fills the house. 
• Inside the house, move combustible materials such as light curtains and furniture away from the windows. 
• Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house. 
• If water is available, turn sprinklers on to wet the roof and any waterproof valuables. 
• Move all combustibles away from the house, including firewood and lawn furniture. 
• Evacuate your family and pets to a safe location. 
• Stay tuned to your local radio station for up-to-date information on the fire and possible road closures. 
• Be prepared to evacuate at any time. If told to evacuate, do so.

Health effects of forest fire or wildfire smoke

Click here to find out the health effects of forest fire or wildfire smoke.

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