Wildfire Smoke & Fire Safety: How to Protect Your Air
Build a Grab-and-Go Wildfire Safety Kit
When a wildfire spreads or air quality suddenly worsens, you may have only minutes to leave or to seal your home. A pre-packed, easy-to-reach bag means you are ready to move without scrambling.
What to include in your kit
- Basic first-aid supplies.
- Regular medications and a simple pill organizer.
- High-energy, non-perishable snacks and bottled water.
- Quality masks for every family member.
- Phone chargers, power bank, and/or small solar charger.
- Flashlight, extra batteries, and a copy of important documents.
Store this kit near your main exit and review it at the start of every wildfire season to replace expired items.
Protect the Air You Breathe (Masks & Purifiers)
Prepare Your Home and Property
A few practical changes around your home can reduce fire risk and make evacuation safer.
Keep exits clear: Ensure hallways, doors, and windows are not blocked by furniture or storage.
Create a defensible space: Clear dry leaves, debris, and flammable items (like outdoor cushions, wooden furniture, and cardboard) within about 30 feet of your home, if possible.
Trim vegetation: Cut back low-hanging branches, dry shrubs, and vines near structures.
Safety tools: Keep fire extinguishers in accessible locations and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
These small actions can improve safety for you, your family, and first responders.
Create a Family Wildfire Safety Plan
In an emergency, clear roles and rehearsed steps help everyone stay calmer and safer.
Key elements of your plan
Evacuation routes: Decide on at least two ways to leave your home and neighborhood.
Meeting points: Choose a local meeting spot and an out-of-area contact person.
Transport: Plan how you will leave if you do not have a car or if roads are blocked.
Children & pets: Practice with your kids where to go and what to do. Include carriers, leashes, and pet supplies in your plan.
Communication: Write down important phone numbers (family, neighbors, local authorities) and keep them in your kit and phones.
Practice your plan regularly so it feels familiar if a real emergency occurs.
Monitor Air Quality & Official Alerts
Wildfire smoke and wind patterns can change quickly. Checking verified sources helps you decide when to stay inside, when to mask up, and when to evacuate.
Helpful resources
- IQAir AirVisual App – Global air quality maps, alerts, and forecasts.
- AirNow.gov – Official U.S. air quality index and smoke maps.
- Ready.gov – Preparedness guidance for wildfires and other emergencies.
- FEMA – Disaster assistance information and emergency readiness resources.
- CDC (Wildfire Smoke & Health) – Health guidance for vulnerable groups.
- InciWeb – Incident information for active wildfires and containment updates.
In any immediate emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number). For large-scale events, you can also contact FEMA Hotline:1-800-621-3362. as directed on their official site.
Why HALOmask Is Part of a Smart Wildfire Plan
No mask can eliminate all risk from wildfire smoke, but choosing a high-performance, well-fitting mask is a meaningful step in reducing your exposure.
HALOmask combines:
- Advanced nanofiber technology capturing 98.8% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns in independent testing.
- Comfort-first design to support longer wear during smoky days and commutes.
Reusable outer mask + replaceable filters to reduce waste compared to single-use masks.- Options for adults and kids, so families can prepare together.
Used alongside indoor air purifiers, a good home readiness plan, and real-time air quality monitoring, HALOmask can be an important part of your wildfire and air-quality safety strategy.