Preparing for Wildfires: Evacuation, Smoke, and Air Quality

by Amanda Hawkins

Photo by Mathurin NAPOLY on Unsplash

Wildfire season is a good time to get ready. Both for the chance you need to leave and for the smoke that can reach far beyond the fire. Preparation falls into two buckets: evacuation (if you're in or near a fire zone) and smoke and air quality (which can affect you even when the fire is miles away). Here's how to prepare for both.

Evacuation: Plan and Go Kit

If you live in or near wildfire-prone areas, having an evacuation plan and a go kit before the season starts reduces stress and saves time when it matters. Basics include:

  • Meeting point outside the fire area and several escape routes from your home
  • Shelter options and contacts (family, friends, pet friendly lodging)
  • Go-kit you can grab quickly: a few days of water, nonperishable food, medications, copies of important documents, phone chargers, cash, N95 or P100 respirators, and pet supplies if you have animals
  • Know how to shut off gas, electric, and water at your home

For a full checklist and the "4 Ps" of evacuation (people, papers, prescriptions, plastic), see our Everything You Need in a Wildfire Emergency Plan.

Smoke and Air Quality: Know Your Air and Protect Indoors

Cozy living room with warm light and closed windows
Photo by Simona Sergi on Unsplash

Smoke can travel hundreds of miles. Even when there's no fire nearby, PM2.5 from wildfires can make outdoor air unhealthy and seep indoors. Preparing for smoke means knowing when it's bad and how to reduce your exposure.

Check the air before you go out or open windows. PurpleAir's map shows real time PM2.5 and smoke so you can see conditions in your area and plan the day. Use them in the morning and before outdoor work, exercise, or opening the house.

Create a clean room. If smoke is expected or already high, a room with closed windows and doors, plus filtration, can keep indoor PM2.5 lower. Use your HVAC with a good filter (e.g. MERV 11 to 13) if it doesn't pull in outdoor air, or a portable HEPA air cleaner sized for the room. For a step by step, see Protect Your Family from Wildfire Smoke: Create a Clean Room. A DIY box fan filter can help in a pinch.

Have N95 or P100 respirators for when you must go outside in smoky air. Keep them with your go kit and in the car.


Stay Informed and Update Your Plan

Sign up for local emergency alerts and know how to get evacuation and air quality updates. Review and refresh your plan and go kit each spring: replace expired food, water, and batteries, and update contact lists and documents. The more you do in advance, the calmer you'll be when smoke or fire shows up.

Everything You Need in a Wildfire Emergency Plan (With Checklist) · Protect Your Family from Wildfire Smoke: Create a Clean Room · DIY Box Fan Air Purifier

Monitor current conditions on the PurpleAir map or with an air quality monitor at home.

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