First Thing: Check Air Quality  

Start your day by checking the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) before opening windows or going outside.  

You can get up-to-date information from: 

• www.pscleanair.gov 
• https://wasmoke.blogspot.com
• your phone’s weather app

If the AQI is 150+, stay indoors. If the AQI is 100+, children under age 18, adults over age 65, and others at higher risk from smoke should stay indoors.  

When air quality deteriorates, people should limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and keep indoor air clean. If you must be outside, wear a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved particulate respirator, such as an N95 mask.  

Make Your Home a Clean Air Sanctuary  

During smoke events, shield your home from smoke by following these tips.  

• Close all windows and doors to stop smoke from getting inside.
• Avoid indoor activities that generate particles:
  • Don’t burn candles, use sprays, gas stoves, or fry/broil foods.
  • Don’t smoke indoors.
  • Avoid vacuuming unless using a HEPA-filter vacuum.
• Run your HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter:
  • If you have an HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning), use a high efficiency filter (MERV-13 or higher). 
  • Set the system to close intake of outside air.  

• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner
  • Using a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter is a good way to clean your indoor air. More info: EPA Indoor Air Filtration Fact Sheet
• No HVAC or air purifier? Build a DIY filter fan:
  • Instructions on making your own filter fan here: Public Health Crafter's Corner: 1-minute DIY Filter Fan – PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER.

Check on Your Friends and Neighbors

During smoky days, it’s especially important to look out for one another. Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with heart or lung conditions, elderly people, pregnant individuals, and young children. 

Check in on neighbors who may need assistance, ensuring they have access to clean indoor air and necessary medications. Simple acts of kindness, like offering to pick up groceries or sharing information about local air quality resources, can make a significant difference in their well-being. 

Beat Cabin Fever with an Indoor Activity Plan

Being cooped up inside when there’s wildfire smoke can make everyone restless. Make a list of indoor activities to do on smoky days with yourself and your family.  

Some Ideas to Add to Your Smoke-Day List:  

• Living room dance party
• Karaoke
• Board games or jigsaw puzzles
• DIY crafts: friendship bracelets, painting, paper airplanes, or origami
• Reading
• Movie marathon

You can find a variety of indoor activities and coloring pages on the Snohomish County Health Department activities page. There’s one on Keeping Cool: Heat and Wildfire Smoke Safety in both English and Spanish.  

Stay Informed  

Check www.snoco.org/smoke for information and updates.  

Follow the Snohomish County Health Department and Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management on social media for updates.