How to prepare for a wildfire smoke event

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles, bringing fine particles, ash, and irritating gases into Susanville neighborhoods even when flames are far away. Smoke conditions may change quickly with wind, temperature, and nearby fire activity, so preparation is useful before the air quality declines.

A smoke-ready household needs clean indoor air, enough essential supplies, and a plan for people who may be more sensitive to pollution. Public infrastructure also matters: residents should know how to receive alerts, protect utility equipment, and report conditions that affect streets, drainage, or other city facilities.

Understand the health risks

The most harmful pollutant in wildfire smoke is usually fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can enter the lungs and aggravate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and other conditions. Smoke exposure may cause coughing, sore throat, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, and residents with heart or lung conditions should take extra precautions. Keep prescribed medications available, follow an existing medical action plan, and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms become severe. Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips requires urgent medical attention.

Check official air quality information during a smoke episode rather than relying on visibility alone. Smoke can be unhealthy even when the sky appears only slightly hazy, while shifting winds may improve or worsen conditions within hours.

Make indoor air cleaner

Close windows and doors when outdoor air quality is poor, and seal obvious gaps around movable windows if needed. Set heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air when that option is available. Avoid activities that add particles indoors, including burning candles, frying food, smoking, and using fireplaces or wood stoves.

A portable air cleaner with a high-efficiency particle filter can reduce smoke particles in a bedroom or other frequently used room. Choose a unit sized for the space and keep doors and windows closed while it operates. A properly maintained central system with a compatible high-efficiency filter may also help, but filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, or fuel-burning appliance inside a home, garage, basement, or enclosed porch. These devices can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Place generators outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and vents, and follow local safety guidance.

Prepare supplies and a household plan

Before smoke arrives, assemble several days of medications, drinking water, shelf-stable food, baby supplies, pet necessities, phone chargers, and basic first-aid items. Include spare filters for air cleaners and HVAC systems if your equipment uses replaceable filters. People who depend on powered medical devices should plan for an outage and identify a safe location with reliable electricity and cleaner air.

Choose a room where household members can spend time with windows and doors closed. Keep pets indoors when smoke is heavy, provide water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity with them. Livestock and outdoor animals may also need shelter, clean water, and reduced exposure.

Review how you will receive emergency information, including phone alerts, local announcements, and updates from fire and public safety agencies. Write down important contacts and identify a place to go if your home cannot maintain acceptable indoor air or if an evacuation order is issued.

Adjust travel, outdoor work, and utility activities

When smoke is present, limit running, cycling, yard work, and other strenuous activity outdoors. If you must go outside, reduce the time spent in smoke and consider a well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator. Cloth face coverings and surgical masks may reduce larger droplets but do not provide the same protection from fine smoke particles.

Drivers should use headlights when visibility is reduced, leave extra space, and avoid unnecessary trips. Smoke can obscure traffic signals, pedestrians, road workers, and changing lane conditions. Never stop in a travel lane or block access for emergency vehicles.

Residents planning construction or utility work should account for reduced visibility, poor working conditions, and possible access restrictions. For work affecting a city street, review the street cut permit process early, while recognizing that fire-related emergencies may involve separate instructions from authorities.

Use air quality information wisely

Air quality readings provide a practical way to decide whether outdoor activity is appropriate. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, combines pollutant measurements into categories ranging from good to hazardous. Sensitive individuals may need to change plans at a lower AQI than healthy adults.

Air quality condition	Practical response
Good to moderate	Continue normal activities, while monitoring smoke and symptoms
Unhealthy for sensitive groups	Reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity for vulnerable residents
Unhealthy	Move exercise and outdoor work indoors; keep windows closed
Very unhealthy or hazardous	Stay indoors with filtered air, follow official guidance, and prepare for possible evacuation

AQI values can vary across the region, and an official monitor may not represent every neighborhood. Watch the trend, wind direction, visible smoke, and public safety notices together. If indoor air becomes smoky despite closed windows, move to a cleaner room, run filtration, and consider leaving for a location with better air if authorities advise it.

The Susanville Public Works website provides access to city service information and infrastructure resources. During a smoke event, use official city and emergency channels for updates about local facilities, road conditions, water service, and public safety instructions.

Protect the community and report problems

Smoke events can leave ash and debris on streets, sidewalks, drainage inlets, and private property. Do not sweep large amounts of ash into storm drains, as it can obstruct drainage and carry pollutants into local waterways. Lightly dampen ash before cleanup, wear suitable respiratory protection, and follow disposal guidance from local authorities.

Avoid unnecessary contact with downed lines, damaged utility equipment, or blocked roads. Report hazards through the appropriate city or emergency channel, giving the location and a clear description. Leave room for crews and emergency vehicles, particularly near fire response areas and critical facilities.

Use these practical steps before conditions deteriorate:

• Check AQI and emergency alerts at least twice daily during active fire weather.
• Keep windows closed and prepare one room with effective air filtration.
• Store medications, respirators, food, water, pet supplies, and backup power essentials.
• Move strenuous exercise, yard work, and unnecessary driving indoors or to a cleaner-air time.
• Follow evacuation orders promptly and take identification, medications, chargers, and pets.

A few preparations can reduce smoke exposure and help city crews work safely when visibility, roads, and utility systems are under pressure. Monitor trusted updates, care for vulnerable household members, and act early when air quality worsens. Use official Susanville resources and emergency instructions throughout the event to protect your home, your health, and the wider community.