Wildfire Smoke Safety Guide

14 July 2026

A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home, Family, and Pets. 

HOME AIR PROTECTION

  1. SEAL YOUR HOME (Keep Smoke Out)
  • Lock All Windows and Doors: Closing them tightly creates a stronger, airtight seal.
  • Apply Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around drafty doors and window frames immediately.
  • Close Fireplace Dampers: Prevent outdoor smoke from sinking down the chimney.
  • Block Exhaust Vents: Cover kitchen and bathroom fans when they are not in use.
  1. ADJUST YOUR VENTILATION (Recirculate Air)
  • Set HVAC to Recirculate: Change your central furnace or A/C system to recirculate indoor air.
  • Close Fresh Air Intakes: Shut the outdoor air damper on your ventilation system.
  • Run the Fan Continuously: Switch your thermostat fan setting from "AUTO" to "ON".
  • Upgrade System Filters: Install a furnace filter rated MERV 13 or higher.
  • Turn Off Window A/Cs: Do not use window units unless the outdoor air vent is closed.
  1. PURIFY INDOOR AIR (Filter Smoke Particles)
  • Deploy HEPA Purifiers: Place portable HEPA filters in rooms where you spend the most time.
  • Run Filters on High: Leave filtration units operating continuously during smoke events.
  • Build a DIY Filter: Tape a MERV 13 furnace filter to a standard box fan if purifiers are unavailable.
  1. REDUCE INDOOR POLLUTANTS (Keep Clean Air Clean)
  • Avoid Frying Food: Cooking with oils releases high levels of fine indoor particulate matter.
  • Do Not Burn Materials: Stop using candles, incense, wood stoves, and fireplaces.
  • Skip the Vacuuming: Vacuuming stirs up settled dust and particles into your breathing zone.
  • Eliminate Indoor Smoking: Ban all tobacco and vaping products inside the home.

HEALTH, PETS, AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS

  1. MONITOR HUMAN SYMPTOMS (Watch for Smoke Inhalation)
  • Mild Symptoms (Monitor Symptoms): Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; runny nose; mild cough; headaches.
  • Moderate Symptoms (Rest Inside): Phlegm production; mild wheezing; fatigue; scratchy or raw throat.
  • Severe Symptoms (Seek Medical Attention): Shortness of breath; severe wheezing; chest pain; dizziness; heart palpitations.
  • High-Risk Individuals: Infants, young children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and anyone with asthma, COPD, or heart disease must monitor symptoms closely.
  1. PROTECT YOUR PETS (Keep Animals Safe)
  • Limit Outdoor Time: Bring animals indoors and restrict outside trips to short bathroom breaks.
  • Avoid Heavy Exercise: Skip long walks, runs, or intense fetch sessions while air quality is poor.
  • Watch for Distress: Monitor animals for coughing, red or watery eyes, wheezing, or unusual lethargy.
  • Protect Vulnerable Breeds: Give extra care to older pets or flat-faced breeds (pugs, bulldogs, or short-nosed cats).
  • Pack a Pet Emergency Kit: Keep a crate, leash, food, water, and medication ready in case of evacuation.

LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS AND RESOURCES

  • Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 immediately for urgent medical support or active fire hazards.
  • Report a Wildland Fire: Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report a forest or wildland fire in Ontario.
  • Northeastern Public Health (NEPH): Call Toll-Free: 1-877-442-1212, ext 4811.
  • Air Quality Tracking: Visit the Environment Canada AQHI Map to track real-time particulate levels in your area.

FREE N95 MASKS AVAILABLE at the Town Hall!
Pick up during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 

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