Air quality alert (smoke): what to do?

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and turn the sky hazy, even if the fire is far away. When an air quality alert is issued for smoke, the air you breathe may contain tiny particles that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. The steps below help you reduce exposure and stay safe.

What is happening

Smoke from wildfires contains a mixture of gases and fine particles. The smallest particles (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into your lungs and even enter your bloodstream. An air quality alert means levels of these pollutants are high enough to be unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups. The alert may last hours or days, depending on weather and fire conditions.

Emergency warning

If you or someone nearby has severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting, call your local emergency services immediately. Smoke can worsen heart and lung conditions. Do not wait to get help.

What to do first

1. Go indoors and close windows and doors. If you have an air conditioner, set it to recirculate mode and close the fresh-air intake. If you don't have AC and it's hot, seek a local cooling center or shelter.
2. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the room where you spend most time. If you don't have one, create a clean room: choose a room with few windows, keep the door closed, and run a portable air cleaner or a DIY box fan filter (follow reputable instructions).
3. Avoid indoor sources of smoke and particles. Don't burn candles, incense, or use a gas stove without ventilation. Don't vacuum, as it can stir up particles.
4. Limit outdoor activity. Cancel or move outdoor events. If you must go out, keep it brief and avoid strenuous exertion. Consider wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask if you have to be outside for a short time, but masks are not a substitute for staying indoors.
5. Check local air quality. Use official sources like AirNow (airnow.gov) or your local health department for current AQI levels and advisories.

What NOT to do

• Do not rely on dust masks or surgical masks for protection against smoke; they don't seal well and won't filter fine particles.
• Do not run a whole-house fan or window fan that pulls outside air in.
• Do not exercise outdoors or do other activities that make you breathe hard.
• Do not ignore symptoms. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue, seek medical help.

When to seek professional care

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience coughing that won't stop, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or worsening of a chronic condition. For severe symptoms such as inability to catch your breath, blue lips, or confusion, call emergency services right away.

What to monitor

• Local air quality index (AQI) and health advisories.
• Your own symptoms, especially if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or are pregnant.
• Indoor air quality: keep windows closed and use filtration.
• Weather forecasts for wind shifts that may clear or worsen smoke.

How to prevent exposure

Plan ahead: keep a supply of N95 masks, a portable HEPA air cleaner, and extra medications on hand if you have respiratory conditions. Sign up for local emergency alerts. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, create a clean room in advance and know evacuation routes.

This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services.