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Wildfire smoke and air quality safety: what to do
Smoke and pollution can travel hundreds of miles. Fine particles (PM2.5) are the main health risk.
What to do
- Limit time outdoors, especially for children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.
- Keep windows closed and use a HEPA air cleaner if you have one.
- A well-fitted N95 mask protects against smoke; cloth masks do not.
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More safety guides
Earthquake · Tsunami · Volcanic eruption · Wildfire · Hurricane and cyclone · Tornado · Flood and landslide · Extreme heat and cold · Space weather · Chemical spill and hazmat · Nuclear and radiological emergency · Explosion and building fire · Transport disaster · Power outage and infrastructure failure · Active attack and civil emergency · Disease outbreak
General guidance compiled from public emergency-management advice. Always follow instructions from local authorities.