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PROTECT

During Smoke

Reduce exposure, use cleaner indoor air and simplify the day while smoke is affecting your area.

Cleaner air, official instructions and appropriate medical care come first.These routines support comfort and preparation. They do not make smoke exposure safe or remove PM2.5 from the body.
Protective action

Cleaner air and official instructions come first

Check the Fire and Smoke Map, follow local instructions and move sensitive household members into the prepared indoor space.

  • Close windows and doors when outdoor air is worse.
  • Run a properly sized, non-ozone-generating portable air cleaner.
  • Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Use a well-fitting N95 when outdoor exposure cannot be avoided and it is appropriate for the wearer.
  • Keep indoor particle sources low: no smoking, candles, incense or unnecessary aerosol sprays.

Caution: Severe trouble breathing, chest pain or another medical emergency requires 911 or immediate emergency care.

Supportive wellness practice

Make the day easier on the household

Simple meals, ordinary fluids, gentle indoor movement and a quieter information rhythm can support comfort while exposure controls remain primary.

  • Use meals the household already tolerates.
  • Shift vigorous exercise to gentle indoor activity.
  • Wash exposed skin, hair and clothing after necessary outdoor exposure.
  • Protect sleep and reduce repeated nonessential news checking.
Traditional perspective

Grounding rather than stimulating

Traditional seasonal routines may emphasize warmth, moisture, rest and predictability. These are comfort practices, not respiratory protection.

  • Avoid vigorous or hyperventilation-style breathwork during smoke.
  • Nasal oiling is not a universal fire-season recommendation.

SAVED PROGRESS

Household checklist

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OFFICIAL SOURCES

Protective guidance used for this page

AirNow WildfiresU.S. EPA and partners

Current AQI, Fire and Smoke Map, before/during/after smoke information.

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Wildfires and Indoor Air QualityU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Indoor-air protection, filtration, smoke-event preparation and ash cleanup.

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Create a Clean RoomU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Room selection, source control and properly sized non-ozone-generating air cleaners.

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Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire SmokeU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Smoke exposure reduction, symptoms and groups needing extra care.

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How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your BodyU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Common symptoms and immediate health effects.

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CONTENT REVIEW

Transparent review record

Reviewed by Casandra Valme, M.A. Ed. · Educator & Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner

Editorial review2026-07-25 Official sources checked2026-07-25 Clinical statusNot Required SpanishScheduled Module 13 Content versionMatches review