Recommendations for Reducing Wildfire Smoke in Commercial Buildings and Schools

cityscape in the evening with smokey haze in the air

Recommendations for Reducing Wildfire Smoke in Commercial Buildings and Schools

The Recommendations for Reducing Wildfire Smoke in Commercial Buildings and Schools fact sheet outlines ten key steps to creating a Smoke Readiness Plan to minimize smoke infiltration in these environments. This resource is designed for building managers and school administrators and emphasizes maintaining air quality by preparing HVAC systems with high-efficiency filters (like MERV 13 or higher), using portable air cleaners, and conducting full system maintenance. It also advises weatherizing buildings to prevent smoke entry, monitoring indoor PM2.5 levels using air sensors, and creating temporary cleaner air spaces indoors.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Type of resource

Fact sheet

Topic

Smoke
Wildfire

Setting

Clinic
Daycare
School