Fire season in California brings many challenges with it. In addition to the damage the fires can bring to homes, businesses, and nature, it ruins the air quality in surrounding areas for days and weeks at a time. Bad air quality affects everyone, especially those who are older or who have preexisting conditions. Here are a few tips for seniors to keep in mind this fire season to stay healthy.
Air Quality is Vital
During a fire, the air outside exacerbates existing health conditions and makes older people not feel well otherwise. Checking the air quality index is the best tool to help you stay healthy when the air quality is unhealthy. The U.S. Forest Service Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program and AirNow Fire and Smoke Map provide updates to air quality in real time, and the local air district will have updates as well. Air quality is measured in particulates. If these particulates measure:
51-100- Seniors should avoid doing any strenuous activities if they are especially sensitive to air quality.
101-150: Older adults are advised to limit any activities that have them outside for a long time.
151-200: Avoid being outdoors and limit activity outside.
201-300: Stay inside and do not do any outdoor activities.
301-500: Everyone, regardless of age, needs to avoid being outside.
Masks and Breathing
If you have to go outside for any reason, whether it be to run an errand or go to an appointment, mask up. Breathing smoke can make any heart and lung conditions you have worse, and it can irritate eyes and lungs. When outdoors, wearing an N95 NIOSH-certified respirator is recommended, especially in places where ash and smoke are heavy. These may not be available due to the pandemic. KN95 masks may help if this is the case.
Staying Safe Indoors
Being indoors is the best place to be when fires are burning and making the air unhealthy. Close all windows and doors and avoid using any gas-powered appliances, frying foods, or vacuuming. If you have central air, install a MERV 13-rated air filter, and set the system to recirculate the air. A CARB-certified air filter installed in the home can help reduce particulates that end up inside.
Do not go outside and perform outdoor activities if the particulates are high, or breathing the air does not make you feel good. If you feel sick or unwell for any reason and staying inside does not make you feel better, contact your home care team or your doctor’s office and let them know what you are experiencing.
If your area receives an order to evacuate, it is important to comply with those orders and follow all instructions associated with them. Reach out to friends, relatives, or local authorities if evacuation would be difficult for you, so they can help before it becomes a problem.
Home safety is a vital part of living at home as an older adult. If you’re interested in learning more about how Butte Home Health Care and Hospice cares for seniors at home, reach out to us today!
