FIELD GUIDE 03 / WILDFIRE & SMOKE
Prepare to leave. Have a cleaner-air fallback.
Evacuation, indoor smoke, deliberate power shutoffs and why rooftop solar may not keep running.
01 / PREPARE
Before the event.
Make leaving a practiced action
Know your community routes and an alternative destination. Pack essential medicines, documents, chargers, supplies and pet needs. Arrange assistance early and keep transport ready to leave. [1] [4]
Prepare for smoke while staying is safe
Choose a room where the household can spend time with doors and windows closed, without blocking exits. Use a portable air cleaner sized for the room that does not generate ozone. Read its controls and keep replacement filters available. [2]
Check what the power shutoff means
In California, ask your utility about PSPS notifications and support resources. If you depend on a medical device, make an extended-outage plan with care and device providers. Confirm the actual backup capability of any rooftop solar system with its installer. [3]
02 / RESPOND
During the event.
Keep the evacuation decision first
Monitor local emergency instructions. Have your go-bag and transport ready. Do not spend departure time adjusting equipment, sprinklers or battery charging. Keep everyone together and follow the designated route. [1]
Manage air and heat together
If officials say it is safe to remain, reduce indoor smoke sources, keep windows closed and run suitable filtration. If the room becomes too hot, smoke keeps entering or power fails, seek a safer cooler, cleaner-air location. [2] [4]
03 / RECOVER
After the immediate threat.
Return only with permission
Stay outside evacuation areas until authorities allow return. Avoid downed power lines and damaged structures. Use qualified professionals to assess utilities before restoring them; do not restart a shut-off gas supply yourself. [4]
Review the backup that actually worked
Record how long your filtration and communication equipment operated, at the settings used. Replace dirty filters as instructed by the manufacturer. Update the transport fallback before the next smoke or shutoff event. [2]
DETAILS WORTH KNOWING
A few assumptions to check.
Solar panels can switch off in sunshine
CPUC explains that most grid-connected solar systems shut down with the grid to prevent energizing it. Only suitable systems can operate independently during an outage. Ask your installer rather than assuming panels equal backup. [3]
Some cooling can draw smoke indoors
EPA advises using single-hose portable air conditioners sparingly during smoke events because they can pull smoke into the home. Check the cooling setup before relying on a closed room. [2]
HOUSEHOLD POWER
Where backup power fits.
Measure the air cleaner at the fan setting you intend to use. Record watts, planned hours and the recharge option, then check the battery manufacturer limits. Filtration, cooling and medical support may require very different amounts of power. Keep a destination with safer air and temperature even if you own a battery.
Try this before you need it
Write one plan for smoke when your home is safe to occupy, and a different plan for evacuation. Name the local alert or condition that sends your household to the departure plan immediately.
Local context: Canada
PSPS is a California utility term in this guide, not a universal Canadian program. In Canada use provincial wildfire authorities, local utility notices and the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI); follow evacuation instructions for your community.
04 / MAKE IT YOURS
Your household action card.
Print the PDF and complete the last page. Keep it with your kit. The checkboxes below are temporary reading aids; they do not save information.
FOLLOW THE SOURCES
Official guidance.
The numbered references beside each action link here. Read the original guidance for fuller context and follow current instructions at your location.
- CAL FIRE — Go! Evacuation guide (California) ↗
- U.S. EPA — Create a cleaner-air room during wildfire smoke ↗
- California Public Utilities Commission — Public Safety Power Shutoff FAQs ↗
- Public Safety Canada — Wildfires: get prepared ↗
Original summaries and household planning prompts by StillPower Guide, operated by Mihai Florea. Sources checked October 24, 2026. No agency endorsement. This page is educational preparation, not a live alert service. In immediate danger call your local emergency number (911 in the U.S. and Canada).
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