How to protect yourself from poor air quality & wildfire smoke

July 18, 2024

The best way to protect your health from poor air quality and wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure and seek cleaner air.

  • Stay indoors: Reduce time spent outdoors to protect your health.
  • Reduce outdoor physical activity: Refer to the Air Quality Health Index and decrease physical exertion outdoors in when air quality is poor
  • Consider wearing a well fitted respirator if you cannot access cleaner air: Use a well fitted respirator (e.g., N95, KN95) properly to reduce exposure to particulate matter in smoke.
  • Activate medical management action plans: Ensure that your plan to self-manage any chronic diseases (e.g., respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) are in place and up to date, and that adequate rescue medications are available.
  • Use a home clean air shelter: Spend time in a room in your home with a portable air cleaner with HEPA filtration to reduce smoke exposure.

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