🔥 Prepare for wildfires and smoke

Dry weather can make fires easier to start and spread. Smoke can travel far and affect families even when flames are not nearby.

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and make breathing more difficult.

Watch for:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Burning or irritated eyes, nose or throat
• Dizziness

Young children, pregnant people, older people and people with existing breathing or heart conditions may need additional protection.

Before fire conditions become dangerous:

📻 Follow your local authorities recommendations and alerts.

🗺️ Know your evacuation routes and safe locations.

📍 Agree on a household meeting point.

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Plan who will support children and others needing assistance.

💊 Keep medicines, identification and important documents accessible.

📱 Save emergency telephone numbers.

🎒 Prepare a carriable emergency bag using available items.

Wildfires can spread and change direction quickly. If authorities tell you to evacuate:

• Leave immediately using the official route.
• Take medicines, identification and essential items.
• Keep children with a responsible adult.
• Assist others without placing yourself in danger.
• Return only when authorities say it is safe.

If authorities have not instructed you to evacuate:

• Stay indoors where possible
• Close doors and windows
• Reduce outdoor activity
• Keep children away from smoke and ash
• Drink enough safe water
• Follow air-quality and emergency updates

⚠️Follow local guidance on indoor air and air conditioning.

Use only masks recommended by local health authorities. A mask should fit properly.

Do not use one if it:

• Makes breathing more difficult.
• Cannot be removed independently.
• Is not recommended by a health professional.

Country teams should insert locally approved guidance on the type and use of masks rather than implying that every face covering provides the same protection.

Wait for official confirmation before returning or cleaning.

• Keep children away from ash and damaged areas.
• Use locally recommended protective equipment.
• Avoid disturbing ash.
• Wash exposed skin and clothing.
• Seek medical help if concerning symptoms develop.

Use information from official authorities and emergency services. Do not share unverified warnings, images, voice messages or locations.

Check on people who may need help receiving or understanding emergency information.

Wildfires and evacuation can affect children and adults.

• Talk with someone you trust.
• Keep familiar routines where possible.
• Limit repeated exposure to distressing news.
• Let children ask questions.
• Seek help if distress continues or affects daily life.

📲 Contact verified mental health providers for support.