Wildfire Smoke: How to Stay Safe Indoors

If it seems like wildfire smoke is everywhere this summer, you’re not imagining it.

Wildfires are burning across parts of the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, and the smoke isn’t staying anywhere near the flames. Winds can carry it hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away. That means even if you live far from an active wildfire, you could still wake up to hazy skies and unhealthy air.

Most of us know to stay indoors when the air gets smoky. But here’s something many people don’t realize: wildfire smoke can get inside your home, too.

The good news? There are several easy things you can do to keep your indoor air much cleaner.

Why Wildfire Smoke Is a Problem

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5. They’re about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair, so they’re small enough to travel deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream.

Breathing in these particles can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, make it harder to breathe, and trigger asthma attacks. It can also increase the risk of heart and lung problems.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung disease are especially vulnerable.

Keep the Smoke Outside

When the air quality is poor, your first goal is to keep as much smoke out of your home as possible.

• Keep your windows and doors closed.
• Set your air conditioner or HVAC system to recirculate the indoor air instead of pulling air in from outside.
• If your heating and cooling system can handle it, use a MERV 13 or higher air filter.
• If you own a portable HEPA air purifier, run it as much as possible.

These simple steps can make a big difference.

Create a Clean-Air Room

If the smoke lasts for several days, consider setting up one room as your family’s “clean-air room.”

Choose a room where everyone spends a lot of time. Keep the doors and windows closed, and run a HEPA air purifier if you have one. Having one room with cleaner air can give your lungs a much-needed break.

Don’t Accidentally Make the Air Worse

When it’s smoky outside, try not to create more indoor air pollution.

That means avoiding:

• Smoking or vaping
• Burning candles or incense
• Frying or broiling food
• Vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter

Each of these activities releases tiny particles into the air, making indoor air quality even worse.

If You Have to Go Outside

Sometimes staying indoors isn’t an option.

If you need to be outside:

• Check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) first.
• Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous yard work when the air is smoky.
• Wear a well-fitting N95 respirator if air quality reaches unhealthy levels.

Breathe Easier with These Simple Steps

You don’t have to live next to a wildfire to be affected by wildfire smoke. Smoke can travel incredible distances, and some of it can end up inside your home.

Fortunately, protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Keeping windows closed, filtering the air, and avoiding activities that create indoor pollution can go a long way toward helping you and your family breathe easier until the skies clear.

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