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How-Tos & Resources

Learn more about how you can stay smoke ready this wildfire season by reviewing the How-tos below.

How to Create a Cleaner Air Room

Breathe easier this wildfire season by setting up a Cleaner Air Room in your home. Follow these simple steps to set up a Cleaner Air Room in your home.

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool that helps you quickly assess how clean or polluted the air is in your area. It’s especially useful during our wildfire season, when air quality can change rapidly.

How to Make a DIY Air Cleaner

DIY box fan filters are a budget-friendly way to improve air quality compared to HEPA air cleaners. Learn how to build a simple DIY box fan filter using MERV 13 filters to improve indoor air quality during smoke events.

Find Cleaner Air in Your Community

If you're unable to create a cleaner air space at home, spend time in public spaces in your community. Libraries, community centers, movie theaters, and malls have access to cool, clean air.

How to Stay Safe Outdoors

The air is harmful for many groups when the air quality is orange (or over 100), even if the air doesn't yet look hazy or smell like smoke. When it's smoky, plan to limit intense physical activity outside such as running, yard work, or other outdoor exertion. Doing less helps you breathe in less smoke.

Choosing the Right Mask

Here is a breakdown of masking types to protect your health during wildfire smoke. Best option for protecting yourself and your children from wildfire smoke is a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator—especially one that fits snugly around the face. These masks are sometimes called “respirators” because they filter air more thoroughly than other types.