How do you actually protect yourself from wildfire smoke when the air quality is bad?

With wildfire smoke blanketing cities again this summer, what should you actually do to protect your health on bad air quality days?

The most effective step is simply reducing your exposure: check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading out (sites like AirNow.gov in the US, or your phone's built-in weather app, typically show it), and limit time outdoors when it's elevated, especially strenuous activity like exercise, which makes you breathe in more smoke faster. Indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and if you have central air conditioning, use the recirculate setting rather than pulling in outside air; a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter in the room you spend the most time in makes a real difference if you have one. If you must be outside for extended periods during heavy smoke, a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask (not a basic cloth or surgical mask, which don't filter fine smoke particles effectively) offers real protection. People with asthma, COPD, heart conditions, are pregnant, are very young, or are elderly should be more cautious at lower AQI thresholds than the general population, and should have any prescribed rescue medications on hand during smoke events. If you're experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough during a smoke event, that warrants medical attention rather than waiting it out.