By Dr. Dr. Tara Ostrom | Point of View
Wildfires are an increasing concern in Arizona, requiring quick action when they strike.
It’s crucial that Arizonans and especially those 65 and older and others with one or more chronic conditions, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, prepare ahead. This guide provides essential tips for Arizona’s seniors and their families.
Plan for an emergency: Begin by gathering up-to-date emergency contact information. Seniors often manage multiple healthcare providers due to chronic conditions. Include phone numbers for doctors, specialists, pharmacists, and caregivers who assist with medical needs. Designate a local and out-of-town friend or relative as an emergency contact to help coordinate communication. Choose at least two emergency meeting places where your family can reconnect if separated by a wildfire.
Stock essential tools and resources: Get your “To Go” bag ready with items such as contact lenses, medical devices such as asthma inhalers and blood sugar monitors, first aid supplies and pet supplies. A seven- to 10-day supply of your prescription medications should be kept in a waterproof container. Make sure to have N95 masks, non-perishable food, water, extra medications, inhalers, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aids, if available.
Tips for staying safe during wildfire season
Before a Wildfire:
- Familiarize yourself with potential evacuation routes.
- If you have access to them, gather respirators, which include N95 masks, to filter out harmful smoke and ash.
- Designate a smoke-free room, equipped with a portable air cleaner and capable of being sealed from outside air, if possible.
- Stay informed about nearby fire activity and follow updates from local authorities.
- Pay attention to local outdoor air quality via airnow.gov, or through your phone’s weather app.
- Follow the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for emergency alerts.
During a wildfire:
- Reduce exposure to smoke, including staying inside as much as possible.
- Follow all instructions from local emergency management officials, including evacuation orders if issued.
- If you must be outside, due to evacuation orders, for example, follow your emergency plan, and use an N-95 mask, as wildfire smoke irritates the eyes, nose throat and lungs.
- Those with chronic health conditions such as COPD, heart disease and asthma are particularly vulnerable to smoke, which can exacerbate these health conditions.
After a wildfire:
- Return home only when authorities confirm it is safe, as smoke can linger and cause harm.
- Wear safety gear, including respirator masks, goggles, and gloves, during cleanup.
- Note, though, that older adults or those with certain chronic health conditions should be extra cautious of attempting such strenuous activity. Ask for assistance if you need it.
- Be sure to stay properly hydrated, especially if attempting clean-up or similar activities in the heat.
- Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers, as the ground may contain heat pockets that can cause burns or spark another fire.
- Be cautious of carbon monoxide and electrical hazards.
- Take steps to reduce your exposure to smoke, which can stay in the air for days after a wildfire ends.
- If any ash gets on your skin or in your eyes or mouth, wash it out as soon as possible.
- You can limit the amount of ash you breathe in by wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator.
- Seek help if wildfire trauma affects your emotional well-being.
Look out for other symptoms, too. Contact your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, or other symptoms that won’t go away. For severe trouble breathing, chest pain, if you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, or other medical emergencies, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
Being well-prepared for wildfires enhances safety and peace of mind. By following these tips, you can better protect yourself and your family in the face of this growing threat.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Tara Ostrom is senior medical director for Optum – Arizona
