Responding During a Wildfire

If a wildfire is burning near you:

• Evacuate the area IMMEDIATELY if recommended by authorities. Be sure to bring immunization records, all medication (taken by each family member) and other disaster supplies with you.
• If you and/or your children are trapped, call 911.
• Seek shelter elsewhere such as public cleaner air shelters, libraries, or malls if your family does not have an air conditioner, air cleaner, or if it is too warm in your home to stay inside with the windows closed. Do NOT leave children in vehicles unattended.
• Move children to an environment with cleaner air, if possible, when smoke levels are high.
• Stay indoors to minimize smoke exposure. Close all windows, doors, and other openings.
• Create a “clean room” in your home (see Additional Resources).

• Avoid activities that can worsen the indoor air, such as cooking on a stove, vacuuming, and smoking.
• If you have central air or heating, replace the filter with one rated MERV13 or higher.
• When in a car, keep windows closed. Turn the air-conditioning to re-circulate. Replace air filters according to your vehicle maintenance schedule.
• N95 or Surgical Masks may offer some protection from wildfire smoke if they are fitted tightly to the face. Your child can use a mask safely if they can tell you about any problems they have with the mask. If your child is uncomfortable or says that it is hard to breathe, take it off. Use masks only for short periods where your child must be outdoors (i.e. travel between home and school). Cloth masks do NOT prevent breathing in smoke.