Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Preparedness

Be ready to leave fast

Wildfires can spread faster than people expect. Ready.gov recommends signing up for your community's warning system, knowing your evacuation routes, and leaving early if officials advise it. Don't wait for a mandatory order if you feel unsafe.

• Keep a packed go-bag for each person and pet near the door.
• Back your car into the driveway and keep the gas tank at least half full during fire season.
• Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood.
• Store important documents in a fireproof, waterproof container, or keep digital copies.

Protect your home

Create defensible space by clearing dry leaves, needles and debris from gutters, roofs and the area around your home. Move firewood and flammable items at least 30 feet away. Your local fire department can advise on rules for your area.

Protect your lungs from smoke

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can harm the heart and lungs, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with asthma or heart disease.

• Check the air quality index for your ZIP code on AirNow.gov.
• When smoke is heavy, stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
• Use a well-fitted N95 or P100 respirator if you must go outside. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not protect against smoke particles.
• Avoid activities that add indoor pollution, such as frying food, burning candles or vacuuming.

Create a clean-air room

Choose a room where you spend the most time, often a bedroom. Close its windows and doors and run a portable HEPA air purifier sized for the room. If you have central air, set it to recirculate and use the highest-rated filter your system supports.