When smoke moves in, it’s important to protect the air in your home. Here are some ideas to improve the air you are breathing inside right now:
1. Lock out smoke
-
Close doors and windows
-
Seal off any big gaps that might be letting in outdoor air (use tape, rolled towels, or weatherization plastic)
**People in homes that are too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, or who are at-risk of smoke-related health effects, should seek shelter elsewhere.**
2. Filter your air
-
Filter the air using an air cleaner or setting your AC/furnace to fan/recirculate mode with a MERV 13 filter. Watch this video to find out how to replace your filter.
-
If traveling in a car, set the AC to recirculate (usually identified by a car symbol with a U-turn arrow inside).
3. Make a clean air room
-
Choose an interior room with few windows and doors that all family members can fit in
-
Keep windows and doors closed
-
Use an air cleaner to help remove harmful particles from the air
-
For additional information, see the EPA’s tips to create a clean room
4. Keep your air fresher
-
Do not burn anything, including candles, incense, cigarettes or gas stoves
-
Avoid frying or broiling when cooking
-
Do not vacuum
