Air quality

Exposure to poor air quality can lead to health issues such as eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Vulnerable groups—including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions—should exercise extra caution during these events.

Before an air quality emergency

• Sign up for “Spare the Air” alerts from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to get email/text updates when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
• Monitor AirNow for real-time air quality updates. The Air Quality Index (AQI) shows how much smoke, ash, and pollution is in the air.

Protecting those at higher risk 

• Talk to your doctor about making a plan for managing respiratory conditions during smoke events.
• Keep extra medication on hand if you rely on inhalers or other treatments.
• Reduce physical activity and outdoor exposure when air quality is poor.
• If you have asthma or other breathing conditions, follow your management plan and monitor symptoms closely.
• Seek care when necessary and call 911 for any medical emergencies. 

During an air quality emergency

• Stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed. If you must go outside, limit strenuous activities.
• Improve indoor air quality by keeping windows and doors closed when air quality is poor. If possible, use a fan with a filter attached or create a simple DIY air purifier by securing a high-quality air filter to a box fan.
• Call, text or visit neighbors. Older adults, especially those who live alone, and those with disabilities or medical conditions are most at risk during emergencies and disasters.
• Use air purifiers if you have them.
• Turn off ventilation fans or anything allowing outdoor air to enter.
• Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water during heavy smoke events.
• If keeping indoor air clean is not possible, consider visiting a public building with better air filtration, such as a library or mall.

Heat Wave Map

Air quality emergencies often occur during extreme heat. Stay updated on local conditions with our Heat Wave Map.

This interactive map provides real-time information on cooling center locations, public pools, and water fountains around the city. Check it during heat waves to stay safe and find resources near you.

To explore additional layers, click the drop-down menu in the top-right corner of the map and select “layers” (the icon that looks like a stack of papers).

Visit our Heat Wave Map

About masks

• The California Air Resources Board recommends that people seeking additional protection from wildfire smoke, use NIOSH-certified N95 respirator masks.
• People who must be outdoors for long periods of time, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, may want to wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator mask. Those with existing respiratory, lung or heart conditions should limit their exposure by staying indoors. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart conditions should check with their doctor before using one.

Learn more

• Find out about how disasters and emergencies can affect San Francisco.
• Review the steps to get prepared for any emergency.

About

Brought to you by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM manages San Francisco's everyday and not-so-everyday emergencies.

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