Wildfire Smoke Preparedness for Older Adults: A Family Checklist

Living in Northern California means enjoying beautiful landscapes, but it also requires adapting to seasonal environmental changes. For families in Northern California, managing wildfire smoke is an important part of preparedness planning. While poor air quality can affect anyone, older adults may be more sensitive to environmental hazards as their bodies age.

Fine particle pollution, a major component of wildfire smoke, is an important concern for older adults. It can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, making proactive planning essential. By preparing before smoke arrives, families can help reduce risk, minimize stress, and maintain a comfortable living environment.

This practical checklist can help you and your family organize a seasonal preparedness plan, optimize indoor air quality, and support the well-being of older adults during smoky days.

Why Early Preparation Matters for Older Adults

As people age, their bodies may be less able to compensate for environmental stressors. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reducing wildfire smoke exposure is especially important for older adults and individuals with heart or lung disease.

Waiting until a smoke event begins can make it difficult to find necessary supplies like air purifiers, replacement filters, and appropriate masks. Early preparation allows families to thoughtfully evaluate their homes, consult with professionals, and establish clear communication plans. People in at-risk groups should talk with a health care provider well before smoke arrives to discuss what to do during an event. Those with chronic conditions should work with their clinicians to create a personalized management plan.

A Family Checklist for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness

Use the following steps to help prepare an older adult's home for seasonal air-quality changes.

1. Monitor Air Quality and Official Alerts

Staying informed is the first step in reducing exposure. Conditions can change rapidly throughout the day, so having reliable sources of information is crucial.

• Bookmark reliable resources: Save state, local, or Tribal air-quality websites on your computer or smartphone.
• Use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map: This tool provides up-to-date information on local air quality. You can also sign up for notifications through the AirNow system.
• Follow local instructions: Monitor local forecasts and always follow emergency-management instructions, including advisories to stay inside or evacuate.

2. Create a Cleaner-Air Room

The EPA recommends setting up a cleaner-air room where the household can comfortably spend time when outdoor air quality is poor.

• Choose the right space: Select a room large enough for the household that can be closed off from the rest of the home.
• Keep it sealed: Keep doors and windows closed when smoke is present outdoors.
• Use a portable air cleaner: Purchase a room-sized portable air cleaner and replacement filters before a smoke event occurs. Ensure the device is powerful enough for the room's size and produces little or no ozone.

3. Optimize Home HVAC Systems

A home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be a powerful tool for filtering indoor air, provided it is set up correctly.

• Consult a professional: Ask an HVAC professional which high-efficiency filter your system can handle. The EPA and CDC advise using a MERV 13 filter or higher if the system is compatible.
• Adjust the settings: Learn how to set the system to recirculate mode or how to close any fresh-air intake to prevent drawing smoke indoors.
• Run the fan: When smoke is present, run the HVAC fan to help continuously filter the indoor air.
• Stock up on filters: Keep compatible replacement filters on hand so you can change them as they become dirty.

4. Avoid Adding Indoor Pollution

When homes are sealed against outdoor smoke, it is important not to introduce new sources of indoor air pollution.

• Skip the candles and fireplaces: Avoid burning candles, incense, or using fireplaces and wood-burning appliances.
• Limit certain activities: Avoid using aerosol sprays, smoking, vaping, and vacuuming, unless the vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter.
• Adjust cooking methods: Limit long or high-heat cooking on the stove or in the oven, which can add particles to the air.

5. Stock Essential Supplies

Having the right supplies on hand can help older adults remain comfortable and safe without needing to run errands during poor air quality.

• Food and water: Keep at least three to seven days of food and water available. Include nonperishable foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration. This helps avoid adding indoor pollution from cooking and provides a backup in case of a power outage.
• Medications: Maintain a supply of essential medications covering at least five days.
• Respirators: Have NIOSH Approved N95 respirators available and learn how to use them properly. A snug fit is required to help reduce exposure to fine particles; gaps reduce effectiveness. Dust masks and bandanas should not be relied upon for smoke protection.

6. Plan for Heat and Power Outages

Wildfire smoke can coincide with hot weather, and exposure to combined heat and smoke may be worse than either alone.

• Prioritize temperature safety: If a home cannot remain both cool and tolerable with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere rather than trading smoke protection for unsafe heat.
• Plan for medical equipment: For older adults who rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, discuss backup power options with a health care or equipment provider in advance.
• Manage refrigerated medications: Plan for refrigerated medications and time-sensitive treatments by consulting the relevant clinician.

Managing Daily Life During a Smoke Event

When smoke settles into an area, adjusting daily routines can help reduce risk and maintain well-being.

Adjusting Routines and Activities

Reduce strenuous outdoor activity during smoky periods. Because conditions can fluctuate, wait for better air quality before heading outside when possible. If going outside is unavoidable, wearing a properly fitted NIOSH Approved N95 respirator can help reduce exposure. When traveling in a vehicle, keep the windows closed, use the air conditioning on recirculate mode, and slow down if visibility is reduced. Once outdoor air quality improves, take the opportunity to open windows and air out the home.

Supporting Social Connection

Smoke events can disrupt routines and lead to isolation, which can impact an older adult's mental well-being. Include ways to manage stress and maintain contact with family, friends, and neighbors through phone calls or video chats. For individuals living with dementia, disruptions to routine can be particularly challenging. Providing added assistance, familiar comfort items, favorite snacks, and calm routines can help offer reassurance during an emergency.

Emergency Evacuation Planning

While sheltering in place is often the primary strategy for smoke, families must also be prepared for potential evacuations.

• Map your routes: Make a plan with clear evacuation routes and identify possible shelter locations.
• Build a support network: Identify trusted family, friends, caregivers, and neighbors who can help during an emergency. Include backup communication options in case of power or internet outages.
• Organize important documents: Keep important identification, insurance, medical, and emergency-contact documents protected. Create a digital copy if practical.
• Arrange transportation: If an older adult no longer drives, arrange transportation options well in advance.
• Practice the plan: Practice evacuation plans together. Always follow mandatory evacuation instructions and check in with family members after reaching safety.

When to Seek Medical Help

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and can cause coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. People with relevant chronic conditions should closely monitor their health and watch for new or worsening symptoms.

If an older adult is feeling sick, take immediate steps to reduce their smoke exposure and contact a health care provider. Do not hesitate to seek medical help if symptoms become concerning. By planning ahead and staying connected, families can help older adults navigate Northern California's seasonal changes with greater confidence and peace of mind.