Wildfire Smoke Safety Checklist: Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Wildfires pose significant health risks due to the smoke they produce, which can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and exacerbate existing health conditions. It's crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family during wildfire events.

1. Monitor Air Quality

Stay informed about local air quality by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) at AirNow.gov. The AQI provides real-time information on air pollution levels, helping you assess the safety of outdoor air. If authorities advise staying indoors, comply to minimize exposure. (cdc.gov)

2. Create an Emergency Plan

Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes multiple evacuation routes and designated shelter locations. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan and practice it regularly. Include provisions for pets and livestock, as some evacuation centers may not accept animals. (cdc.gov)

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit containing essential items such as:

• A 7-10 day supply of prescription medications in waterproof, childproof containers.

• Non-perishable food items that don't require cooking.

• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates.

• Flashlights and extra batteries.

• Personal identification and important documents.

Having these items readily available can facilitate a swift and organized evacuation. (cdc.gov)

4. Protect Indoor Air Quality

To keep smoke outside:

• Choose a room you can close off from outside air.

• Set up a portable air cleaner or a filter to keep the air in this room clean even when it's smoky in the rest of the building and outdoors.

• Avoid burning anything indoors, including candles, gas, propane, incense, or wood.

• If you have a central air conditioning system, use high-efficiency filters (preferably MERV 13 or higher if your system can use it) to help clean the air. (cdc.gov)

5. Use Protective Equipment

If you must go outside during smoky conditions, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to reduce smoke exposure. Ensure the respirator fits tightly to your face and is worn correctly. Note that children ages 2 years and older can wear respirators and masks, but NIOSH-approved respirators may not come in suitable sizes for very young children. (cdc.gov)

6. Stay Informed

Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio for emergency alerts. Monitor fires in your area using mapping tools. AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map provides a map of fires throughout North America. (cdc.gov)

7. Protect Vulnerable Individuals

Children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease are at higher risk from wildfire smoke. These groups should take extra precautions, including staying indoors and following medical advice. (cdc.gov)

8. After a Wildfire

Even after a wildfire ends, smoke can linger in the air for days. Continue to monitor air quality reports and take steps to reduce exposure. When returning to your home, avoid contact with ash, which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. (cdc.gov)

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

Highlights:

• Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke | Wildfires | CDC, Published on Sunday, April 14
• Safety Guidelines: After a Wildfire | Wildfires | CDC, Published on Thursday, April 18
• How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Body | Wildfires | CDC, Published on Thursday, April 18