Wildfire safety tips

As children are growing, their developing immune systems and lungs make them especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of wildfire smoke, which is more toxic than day-to-day air pollution. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into children’s lungs. Exposure can cause immediate health effects and may also affect their longer-term health and well-being.

Exposure during pregnancy 

Exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including: 

• Preterm birth 
• Low birth weight 
• Potentially certain birth defects, although the evidence remains less conclusive 
   

Babies born preterm or with low birth weight may subsequently face a higher risk of respiratory illness, impaired growth, developmental difficulties and mortality. 

Exposure among infants and young children

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs, immune systems, brains and other organs are still developing. They also breathe more air relative to their body weight and may have greater exposure to contaminated dust and ash through crawling and hand-to-mouth behaviour. Exposure may increase the risk of: 

• Respiratory symptoms and illness 
• Exacerbation of asthma or other underlying conditions 
• Adverse developmental effects 
• Potential metabolic effects, although the evidence is still developing 
• Severe illness during significant exposure events 

Adolescents

Adolescents continue to develop mentally and physically and are also more active. They are at risk of:

• Asthma and respiratory diseases
• Metabolic disorders, e.g. obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Adverse mental health effects

Being prepared can help your family stay safe and together in an emergency. If you live in an area at risk of wildfire, please closely coordinate with your village or community leaders, or go to the nearby village centre for further information on the evacuation process.  

Always pay attention to local weather and air quality news and public health advisories, including those related to wildfire smoke. Know the symptoms of inhaling wildfire smoke, so you can act immediately to prevent further health problems. 

Before a wildfire

• Talk to your family about wildfires. Explain to your child in an age-appropriate way what wildfires are and how you will do everything you can to keep them safe.
• Have an emergency evacuation plan ready, including medical information and what your family should do if separated. Identify safe shelters nearby by closely following the instructions of village community leaders and prepare your children by ensuring that they have your contact information and know what to do if separated. Check with your child’s school and learn what the school’s plan is in case of a wildfire.
• Create an “emergency kit” that includes non-perishable foods, medicines, cash, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, N95/KN95 masks (in adult and child sizes), flashlight, radio, batteries and water for several days in case you need to leave your area or services are cut off. Include any other necessary items to meet the needs of your family, as well as copies of important documents like birth certificates, ID papers, house deeds etc.
• If you live in an area vulnerable to wildfires, for example near vegetation or a forest, create a fire-resistant zone around the house that is free of leaves, debris or flammable materials for at least 10 metres, if possible.

Evacuate immediately if authorities advise you to do so or if your home is at risk.

During a wildfire

• Evacuate immediately if authorities advise you to do so or if your home is at risk. 

• Keep children with their parents or usual caregivers during evacuation wherever possible and make sure they are always supervised. 

• If a child becomes separated from their caregiver, immediately inform the responsible authorities or child protection services so that safe family tracing and reunification can begin. Avoid placing separated children informally with unknown adults. 

• Physically relocate to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke if feasible. 

• Keep your children indoors with the doors and windows closed, if possible. If using air conditioning, run it with the fresh air intake closed, if possible, to keep outdoor smoke from getting indoors. Use a portable air cleaner if available. 

• Limit physical activity and drink water to stay hydrated. 

After a wildfire

• Don’t let your children do any clean-up work after a wildfire. Ash and debris should be removed before they return home. 

• If your child starts experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, take them to a health facility immediately. Pay attention to any physical symptoms or emotional reactions in the months following. 

• Children may not express their symptoms in the same way as adults and therefore need to be handled with more patience and support after experiencing a traumatic event. 

• Help children return to learning, play and familiar daily routines as soon as it is safe. Re-establishing routines and supportive relationships can help restore a sense of safety, stability, and wellbeing.

> See tips on comforting your child after a wildfire

Things to avoid

To limit exposure from other sources of air pollution during and immediately after a wildfire event, avoid the following:

• Smoking
• Using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, or candles
• Using ozone-generating air cleaners
• Using natural-gas- or gasoline-powered generators indoors
• Using spray cans
• Frying or broiling food
• Using the vacuum
• Burning waste

Even in the absence of wildfires, air pollution around the home can affect a child’s health drastically.