Wildfire Smoke and Children

Take extra care to protect children [PDF – 534 KB] against wildfire smoke. Children with asthma, allergies, or chronic health issues may have more trouble breathing when smoke or ash is present.

• Before wildfire season:
  • Stock up on medicine. Store a 7 to 10-day supply of prescription medicines in a waterproof, childproof container to take with you if you evacuate.
  • Buy groceries you won’t need to cook. Frying or grilling especially can make indoor air pollution worse.
  • Talk to your child’s healthcare provider. If your child has asthma, allergies, or chronic health issues plan how they can stay indoors more often during a smoke event.
• During a wildfire smoke event:
  • Pay attention to air quality reports. Follow instructions about exercise and going outside for “sensitive individuals.”
  • Check for school closings.
  • Remember that dust masks, surgical masks, bandanas, and breathing through a wet cloth will not protect your child from smoke.
  • Children ages 2 years and older can wear respirators and masks. However, NIOSH Approved respirators do not come in suitable sizes for very young children.
  • Think about evacuating if your child has trouble breathing or other symptoms that do not get better.
  • If your child has severe trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or will not eat or drink, reduce their exposure to smoke and get medical help right away.
  • Children must stay inside as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed and turn on an HVAC system or use a portable air filtration unit.
  • If your area is experiencing extreme heat, contact your local health department to find public access air-conditioned centers or cooling centers in your area.
• After a wildfire:
  • Do not return home until you are told it is safe to do so.
  • Smoke can remain in both indoor and outdoor air days after wildfires have ended so continue to check local air quality.
  • Children should not do any cleanup work
  • Keep children away from ash [PDF – 835 KB]. Make sure ash and debris have been removed before you bring your child back home or to school. Avoid direct contact with ash and wash it off your child’s skin and mouth and rise it from his or her eyes as soon as you can.
  • Look out for any symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if your child has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, a cough that won’t stop, or other symptoms that do not go away. Call 9-1-1 or go right away to an emergency department for medical emergencies.