Wildfire & Smoke Checklist: Protect Your Family from Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a health emergency even if the fire itself is miles away. Fine particles in smoke (PM2.5) penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause serious health problems — especially for children, elderly people, and anyone with respiratory or heart conditions. This checklist covers how to protect your family whether you're sheltering in place or evacuating.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, CDC, EPA, FEMA guidance
Respiratory Protection
The right mask makes all the difference.
- N95 or KN95 respirator masks(5+ per person)critical
ONLY N95/KN95 masks filter PM2.5 smoke particles. Surgical masks, cloth masks, and bandanas do NOT protect against wildfire smoke.
- Properly fit your N95 before you need itcritical
A mask with gaps around the nose or chin is not effective. Pinch the nose wire for a tight seal. Beards reduce effectiveness significantly.
- Child-sized N95 or KN95 maskscritical
Adult masks don't fit children properly. Stock child-sized versions.
Indoor Air Quality
Keep smoke out of your home.
- HEPA air purifier(1 per main living area)critical
HEPA filters capture PM2.5 particles effectively. Size the unit to your room square footage.
- Extra HEPA air purifier filters(2 spare filters)critical
Filters clog quickly during heavy smoke events. Stock extras.
- Plastic sheeting and tape to seal gaps around windows/doors(1 roll sheeting + 1 roll tape)
Reduces smoke infiltration during Air Quality Alerts. Seal obvious gaps, not all ventilation.
- Weatherstripping for doors and windows
Install before wildfire season. Reduces ongoing smoke infiltration.
- Avoid using exhaust fans, range hoods, or bathroom fans during smoke eventscritical
These pull outside air in. Turn them off when AQI is elevated.
Air Quality Monitoring
Know when to shelter and when it's safe.
- Bookmark AirNow.gov (airnow.gov) for AQI monitoringcritical
Check before going outside. AQI >150 = Unhealthy for everyone. AQI >200 = Very Unhealthy.
- Download AirNow or IQAir app on your phone
Real-time local AQI readings. Set alerts for your area.
- Indoor air quality monitor (optional but useful)optional
Devices like Airthings or AirVisual show indoor PM2.5 levels. Helps verify your HEPA purifier is working.
Evacuation Supplies (if ordered to leave)
Be ready to go quickly if evacuation is ordered.
- Go-bag packed with 72 hours of essentialscritical
Include: medications, copies of documents, phone charger, water, snacks, N95 masks, change of clothes.
- Car gas tank at least half full during fire seasoncritical
Gas stations may be closed or lines may be extremely long during evacuations.
- Know at least 2 evacuation routescritical
Wildfires spread fast and can cut off roads. Have a primary and backup route.
- Pre-identify where you will go (hotel, family/friend outside affected area)critical
Hotels fill up quickly. Have a plan before you need it.
- Pet carriers and supplies for all petscritical
Most shelters require pets in carriers. Don't leave pets behind.
General Emergency Supplies
Standard emergency kit items applicable to wildfire events.
- Water storage (1 gallon per person per day, 3+ days)critical
- Non-perishable food (3-day minimum)critical
- Battery or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio)critical
For evacuation orders and fire updates when power or cell service is disrupted.
- First aid kitcritical
- Goggles (to protect eyes from smoke irritation)
Smoke irritates eyes. Swim goggles or safety glasses help.
- Eye drops (saline)
Rinse irritated eyes. Don't rub smoke-irritated eyes.
Detailed Guidance
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI measures five pollutants, but during wildfires, fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is the concern. Here's what the numbers mean: 0–50 (Green): Good — normal outdoor activity 51–100 (Yellow): Moderate — sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion 101–150 (Orange): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups — children, elderly, pregnant, heart/lung conditions should limit outdoor time 151–200 (Red): Unhealthy for All — everyone should reduce outdoor activity; wear N95 if going out 201–300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy — stay indoors; limit all outdoor activity; run air purifiers 301+ (Maroon): Hazardous — emergency conditions; stay indoors; N95 mandatory if outside Sensitive groups should act one level above these thresholds. Source: EPA AirNow
Shelter-In-Place: Keeping Smoke Out of Your Home
When outdoor AQI is unhealthy, your goal is to maintain better air quality indoors: 1. Close all windows and doors. 2. Turn off HVAC systems that bring in outside air, or set to recirculate (not fresh air intake). 3. Turn off exhaust fans and bathroom fans — they pull smoky air inside. 4. Seal obvious gaps around windows and exterior doors with tape/plastic if you have it. 5. Run HEPA air purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time. 6. Stay in interior rooms away from exterior walls. 7. Avoid activities that create indoor air pollution: smoking, burning candles, frying food, using gas stoves. This is a short-term strategy. Long durations in sealed homes can lead to elevated CO2. Balance fresh air needs against smoke levels. Source: EPA, CDC
Protecting Children and Vulnerable Family Members
Children have faster breathing rates and less developed lungs — they absorb more PM2.5 per breath than adults. Elderly adults and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or pregnancy face elevated risks. For children during smoke events: - Keep them indoors on high-AQI days. Reschedule outdoor activities. - Stock child-sized N95/KN95 masks — adult masks do not seal properly on children's faces. - Pre-position an asthma action plan with medications if applicable. - Watch for smoke symptoms: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, unusual fatigue. For elderly or health-compromised family members: - They should follow the AQI guidance one level more conservatively than the general public. - Have a plan for evacuation if they cannot care for themselves. - Ensure adequate medication supply (especially asthma/respiratory medications). Source: CDC, EPA
Official Sources
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