Choose the right room.

To begin, pick a room that's big enough for everyone in your household to be comfortable. A bedroom with an attached bathroom is ideal, but any room can work! Studios and shared living spaces can make great Cleaner Air Rooms as well.

Cleaner Air Quick Tips:

• Not able to set up a Cleaner Air Room at home? Find community spaces with access to cleaner air near you.

Keep smoke and outside air out.

Next, close all windows and doors in your room. Make sure all exits are still easy to use in case of emergency (don't tape doors or block gaps under the door with towels).

Cleaner Air Quick Tips:

• If your room has an exhaust fan or kitchen hood, only use it briefly. These can pull in smoke from other parts of the house.

Filter the air in your room.

This is the most important step! Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if you have one (many cost under $30), or build a DIY air cleaner with a box fan and MERV 13 furnace filter. Plan ahead and have supplies ready before smoky weather arrives.

Keep inside air cool and moving.

Use fans, a window air conditioning (AC) unit, or central air. If your AC has a fresh air setting, turn it off or set it to recirculate indoor air.

Avoid creating air pollution.

Don't burn candles, smoke, use aerosol sprays, fry food, or vacuum in your cleaner air space. Avoid using gas stoves as well (if possible).

Spend time in your Clean Air Room.

Stay in your new Cleaner Air Room as much as you can while air quality is unhealthy. Watch TV, take naps, and play games. When the outdoor air quality improves (falls below 101 AQI), even briefly, open windows to refresh the room.