Where to Get Free Masks to Protect Yourself Against Wildfire Smoke

With New York City still blanketed by the smoke from Canadian wildfires, health officials are recommending that New Yorkers mask up to protect themselves from inhaling unhealthy air particles. If you’ve still got an FDA-approved N95 or KN95 at home, that should do just fine. But for anyone in need, grab a free N95 at Fulton Center, local NYPD precincts or your neighborhood firehouse, as well as at several other locations across the city.

Governor Hochul has made 400,000 N95s available at state-run facilities all over town. Here’s where to find them:

• Grand Central Terminal
• Penn Station
• Fulton Center
• Jamaica Station
• Main Concourse of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, South Wing
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Harlem
• Roberto Clemente State Park, Bronx

You can also get two free masks at any NYPD precinct — find your closest one here. Select FDNY firehouses will also have masks available, including the firehouse at 100 Duane St. in Tribeca. 

As of Thursday morning, the U.S. Air Quality Index was over 200 and is set to climb throughout the day. An air quality alert is in effect through midnight, although that may extend depending on the conditions. For now, stay inside when you can and mask up if you have to go outdoors. You remember the drill.