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Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

An eerie yellow haze settles over the still waters of Big Manistique Lake during a wildfire smoke event
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

What you can do to reduce your risk

Wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but some people are more sensitive to particle pollution. When the air quality is in the unhealthy range for you, consider doing the following:

Stay indoors

Keep time outdoors short and avoid strenuous activities

Wear a mask

If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 mask for best protection

Set your air system

Run forced air systems on "fan" or "cooling". Window air conditioning can be used on "recirculate"

Limit these indoor activities

Limit activities that create indoor air pollution, like frying foods and using gas-powered appliances

Limit these outdoor activities

Limit outdoor activities like campfires, residential wood boilers, and gas-powered vehicles

  • Detailed health and wildfire smoke information from MDHHS

    Find out who is more sensitive to wildfire smoke, the health effects to watch out for, and more ways to reduce risk for you and your loved ones

AirNow EnviroFlash

Get texts or emails with Air Quality Index forecasts

EnviroFlash is a FREE service that provides:

  • Advanced notice about environmental issues via automated e-mail and text messages
  • Personalized messages when there's unhealthy Air Quality in your area
  • Air Quality Advisory or Alert declarations so residents can take action to reduce pollution and protect health
  • Includes an option to notify residents about urgent local air pollution situations

All you need to participate is an e-mail address or a cell phone with text message capability.

Sign up for EnviroFlash

More information

How EGLE responds to wildfire smoke

FAQ: wildfire smoke and air pollution

Your health and wildfire smoke