Chronic Conditions and Wildfire Smoke

Cross-posted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

People with any chronic condition should take the following steps to protect themselves from wildfire smoke:

• Before wildfire season:
  • Talk to your healthcare provider. Plan how you will protect yourself against wildfire smoke.
  • Stock up on medicine. Store a 7 to 10-day supply of prescription medicines in a waterproof, childproof container to take with you if you evacuate.
  • Buy groceries you won’t need to cook. Frying or grilling especially can make indoor air pollution worse.
• During a wildfire smoke event:
  • Pay attention to air quality reports. Follow instructions about exercise and going outside for “sensitive individuals.”
  • Follow you healthcare provider’s advice and your asthma action plan if you have one.
  • Think about evacuating if you have trouble breathing or other symptoms that do not get better.

• After a wildfire:
  • Do not return home until you are told it is safe to do so.
  • Look out for any symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough that won’t stop, or other symptoms that do not go away. Call 9-1-1 or go right away to an emergency department for medical emergencies.
  • Smoke can stay in the air days after wildfires have ended so continue to check local air quality.

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