Preparing Before a Wildfire

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pehsu
03/23/2025

If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, having a wildfire response plan should be part of your family’s disaster plan, including having a disaster kit ready to leave home with if needed. If your child has chronic health conditions, discuss plans for wildfires with their primary care provider. Ready.gov offers more resources.

Families can prepare for a wildfire by:

  • Staying alert! Follow smoke-related news coverage and public health advisories.
  • Looking up local Air Quality Index (AQI) on the AirNow.gov website (see Additional Resources).
  • Signing up for air quality alerts at Enviroflash.info (see Additional Resources).
  • Improving indoor air quality by:
    • Talking with a HVAC or furnace professional about upgrading to a filter rated “MERV” 13 or higher.
    • Using a portable air cleaner (see Additional Resources).
Type: Children's Health Issue: Weather-Related Events & DisastersWildfiresInfo For: Families & CommunitiesPEHSU: Exposure Pathway: Weather