How to Protect Your Children’s Wellness During Wildfire Season

As wildfire season grows longer and more intense across the U.S., protecting your child’s well-being during these smoky months has never been of greater importance. Even when the flames are far away, wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and potentially seep into homes, schools, and playgrounds.

Children are uniquely vulnerable to poor air quality and knowing how to keep them safe is key to getting through wildfire season with confidence.

Here’s how to protect your child’s wellness during wildfire season, from air quality tips to activity modifications, and even mental health support.

According to the National Library of Medicine, children are more susceptible to wildfire smoke because:

• They breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults

• Their airways are still developing

• They often spend more time being physically active outdoors

• They may be less likely to recognize or communicate the early symptoms of exposure

The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU) add that even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis, cause eye and throat irritation, or lead to fatigue, headaches, and reduced lung function.

When outdoor air becomes hazardous, your indoor environment becomes your first and most important line of defense.

• Keep windows and doors closed when the air quality is poor. You can even use weather-stripping to seal any drafts.

• Use a high-efficiency air purifier to remove fine particles from wildfire smoke.

• Avoid anything that could make indoor air worse such as candles, incense, or gas stoves.

• Create a designated clean room in your home where your child can rest or play during smoky days. This room should be sealed off and equipped with an air purifier.

• If you drive with your child, set your car’s A/C to recirculate mode to avoid pulling in outside air.

Levoit offers premium air purifiers designed to remove smoke, odors, and other pollutants from your home while reducing exposure to harmful fine particles, helping to create a safe indoor space for your children to breathe. 

Wildfire smoke doesn’t mean your child has to be stuck on the couch all day long, but it does mean adjusting their daily activities with intention.

• Stay indoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 100. On days with very unhealthy air (AQI 201+), even indoor exercise should be minimized.

• Plan any physical activity in the morning when the air is typically cleaner.

• Use air quality tracking apps (like your weather app of choice or AirNow) to plan safe outings.

• Skip sports practices or games outdoors on high-smoke days. Contact coaches or teachers to ask about indoor alternatives.

• For schools without proper air filtration, talk to administrators about safety accommodations while air quality is at its worst.

Kids don’t need to stop playing or moving, after all it’s what they do! All they need is a smarter environment in which to safely do it. 

Wildfire season can feel scary to your little ones. The smell of smoke, canceled plans, news headlines, and even adult stress can affect a child’s emotional well-being.

• Validate their feelings without overwhelming them with details. Acknowledge that the air might seem smoky and how things are different at the moment, and that it’s okay to feel confused or upset.

• Stick to routines when possible. Familiarity is calming.

• Create comforting spaces, like a reading nook or cozy indoor tent with clean air, where they can unwind safely. It’s like an indoor adventure!

• Set the tone for calm behavior. Your response helps set a comforting emotional precedent for how your children process change.

If your child is experiencing anxiety, changes in appetite, sleep disruptions, or ongoing distress, it may be worth checking in with a pediatrician or mental health provider to give them the extra support they need. 

• Track daily AQI levels and adjust activities accordingly

• Use an air purifier for your child’s bedroom or playroom

• Keep doors and windows sealed when air is poor

• Avoid adding indoor pollutants like candles or using a gas stove

• Establish a clean room with filtered air

• Modify outdoor playtime based on current air quality

• Provide reassurance and emotional support 

While wildfire smoke isn’t always visible, its effects are very real. That’s why air purification is one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve indoor air quality during wildfire season, especially for your little ones.

From compact options like the Core Mini for small spaces, to high-coverage purifiers like the Core 400S, Levoit offers air care solutions built for real families, real homes, and real needs.

Explore the full range here . 

Wildfire smoke may be out of your control, but the air your child breathes doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation, a few home adjustments, and some extra love, you can help protect their wellness, comfort, and peace of mind, one clean breath at a time. Stay safe.

Sources:

CDC. "Wildfire Smoke and Children"

National Library of Medicine. "Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Children"

Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units. "Children’s Health and Wildfires"

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used in medical emergencies or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. It's crucial to consult a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. External links are for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsements. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the products and/or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of the information provided herein.