Breathe Easy on Smoky Summer Days

August skies along the coast can shift from brilliant blue to a hazy amber within hours when wildfire season peaks. While you can't control the air outside, you have more influence over what you breathe indoors than you might think.

Start With Your HVAC Filter

If your home has a forced-air system, check the filter rating. Look for a MERV 13 or higher filter — these capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the tiny particles most associated with smoke-related health effects. Swap the filter before a smoke event if you can, and plan to replace it again once air quality improves, since filters load up quickly during heavy smoke periods.

Portable Air Purifiers Work Well in Key Rooms

A portable HEPA air purifier in the bedroom and the room where you spend the most time during the day can meaningfully reduce indoor particle levels. Look for a unit sized appropriately for the square footage of each room — the packaging will list the recommended coverage area. Run it on medium or high when outdoor air quality is rated as High Risk or above on AirNow or the BC Air Quality Health Index.

Seal the Gaps Temporarily

During active smoke events, temporarily close fireplace dampers, bathroom exhaust fan covers, and any dryer vents with a manual shutoff. Check weatherstripping around exterior doors and window seals — even small gaps allow smoke to infiltrate.

Create a Low-Smoke Refuge Room

• Choose an interior room with fewer windows and exterior walls.
• Run your air purifier here continuously on smoke advisory days.
• Keep a damp towel at the base of the door if smoke is especially heavy.
• Limit activity — even indoors, elevated heart rate increases how much air (and particles) you inhale.

Outdoor Habits Matter Too

On days when the Air Quality Health Index reaches 7 or above, reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor exercise. If you do go outside, an N95 or KN95 respirator (worn correctly and fitted snugly) provides meaningful protection — a standard cloth or surgical mask does not filter fine particles effectively.

One last tip: keep a three-day supply of any prescription medications on hand during wildfire season. Smoke events can arrive quickly, and local pharmacies sometimes see increased demand during poor air quality stretches. A little preparation now makes the uncomfortable days much easier to manage.