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Following the recent wildfires in Canada and Minnesota, much of North America has been battling the surge of wildfire smoke. And with air quality alerts active in over 20 states, local leaders are urging many households to stay indoors.Not to mention that it’s coupled with extreme weather — many places are seeing temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s.In fact, one of our Tom’s Guide editors living in New York reported a strong smell of burning in the air, while another colleague reported an “orange haze in the sky”.Needless to say, any outdoor pollutants will inevitably affect our indoor air quality, even if we don't venture outside.Wildfire smoke in particular is packed with dangerous particulates and toxic gases, which can lead to respiratory issues or trigger existing health conditions.Thankfully, there are simple ways to safeguard your home from wildfire smoke and pollutants, helping you breathe easily. Here’s what you need to do right now.1. Close windows and doors
Man insulating a window (Image credit: Shutterstock)While we may be tempted to crack a window open to get rid of smoke, ensure that you keep all doors and windows closed where possible. And if there is one area in particular that is affected, the CDC advises choosing a room you can close off from outside air to keep the smoke out. Then set up a portable air purifier or filter to ensure the air is clean.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Another tip is to install weatherstripping to seal any gaps/cracks around windows or doors. Taking these steps prevents outdoor pollutants from seeping into your living space and polluting your indoor air quality.2. Invest in a good air purifier with top-rated filters
