Sept. 16, 2024—If you have asthma, it's crucial to be prepared when disaster strikes. Events such as wildfires, hurricanes or floods can lead to asthma triggers like dust, smoke and mold, making it harder to breathe. Planning ahead can help you manage your asthma during and after an emergency.
Here are some essential steps to get you started, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Lung Association (ALA).
1. Keep plenty of medication on hand
Asthma experts recommend having at least a 7- to 10-day supply of your medications, including your quick-relief inhaler.
Store your medicines in a safe, waterproof place to avoid contamination from floodwater. While you’re at it, stash copies of your insurance cards, immunization records, prescriptions and asthma action plan there as well.
2. Follow your asthma action plan
Your asthma action plan is your go-to guide for managing asthma attacks. Created with your doctor, this action plan tells you what to do, step by step, if your asthma symptoms get worse. It can help guide you even during a disaster.
3. Manage stress during disasters
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health during emergencies—and one can affect the other. Natural disasters are stressful, and that stress can trigger asthma symptoms. Taking steps to manage stress can help.
4. Stay clean to avoid germs
Clean hands and a clean home can help you stay healthy during and after a disaster. Wash your hands frequently to avoid catching the flu or other infections that can worsen asthma symptoms.
If your home has been exposed to floodwaters, clean-up can be a challenge. Any surface that came into contact with floodwater should be cleaned and disinfected. Make sure to choose cleaners that don't trigger your asthma.
If your home couldn't be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours, you likely have mold. Mold can trigger severe asthma attacks. Try to avoid moldy areas, and get expert advice on how to remove mold thoroughly and safely.
5. Watch out for asthma triggers
Disasters often create conditions that can worsen asthma. Here are some common triggers and how to avoid them:
Wildfire smoke. Stay indoors as much as possible. Close your windows, and use an air purifier. If you need to go out, an N-95 mask can help filter out the fine particles in the air. Cloth masks won't help, reports the ALA.
Mold. Avoid cleaning or spending time in buildings with mold. Let someone without asthma do the job.
Dust and pollen. If high winds spread blowing dust and pollen, try to stay indoors with the windows closed until pollen counts drop.
Other triggers. Consider your other asthma triggers and how an emergency might affect them. Adjust your emergency plan to minimize exposure. For example, if pet dander triggers your symptoms, choose the pet-free home of a friend or family member to go to in case of an evacuation.
Know your disaster plan
Emergencies can happen fast. Take time now to think about how you and your family will handle a possible disaster. Visit our Disaster Preparedness topic center for more ways to get ready.
Sources
- American Lung Association. "Wildfires." https://www.lung.org/clean-air/emergencies-and-natural-disasters/wildfires.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Asthma Care Before, During, and After a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm Factsheet." https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/communication-resources/asthma-care-before-during-and-after-a-hurricane-or-other-tropical-storm-factsheet.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Manage Your Asthma During Disasters." https://blogs.cdc.gov/yourhealthyourenvironment/2022/08/03/manage-your-asthma-during-disasters/.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What to Do When an Emergency Occurs." https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/emergency/.