I have an old blanket that I lay over my big chief smoker and it works just great. I am always careful to make sure that the smoker is out and away from the house. I never soak the wood chips altho I don't doubt that it helps keep things moist. Also, personally I found that 2 or 3 pans of chips is way too much smoke for my personal taste. I always use just one slightly heaping pan at the beginning and then let the fish dry. Have fun!

RM