Wildfire Smoke Resources for Long Term Care Providers
As wildfire season continues to impact air quality across many parts of the country, long term care (LTC) providers should be prepared to protect residents, staff, and visitors from the health effects of wildfire smoke.
- Reviewing this roundup of federal resources can help your facility monitor air quality, prepare for smoke events, and reduce exposure when wildfire smoke affects your community.
Why it matters: Older adults and individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions are among those most vulnerable to smoke exposure, making preparedness especially important for nursing homes and assisted living communities.
CDC recommendations for wildfire smoke preparedness: The CDC recommends that LTC providers review their emergency preparedness plans to help protect residents, staff, and visitors during wildfire smoke events. Learn more about wildfire smoke preparedness on the CDC’s How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Body webpage
Key actions include:
- Monitor air quality using AirNow.gov or the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Current Air Quality and Forecast webpage.
- Improve indoor air quality by keeping smoke outside and using portable air cleaners or appropriate air filtration when possible.
- Know local evacuation plans and follow guidance from emergency management officials.
- Review emergency supplies and plan for residents who are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
- Use the CDC’s Outdoor Air Quality Communication Toolkit for ready-to-use resources to communicate with staff, residents, and families.
Other resources for preparedness:
Health and safety fact sheets:
- EPA Wildfire Smoke and Health Factsheets
- The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response also provides a catalogue of resources, tools, and templates for emergency planning LTC facilities.
Key takeaways: Wildfire smoke can affect communities hundreds of miles from an active fire. Incorporating these federal resources into your emergency preparedness planning can help your organization:
- Monitor current and forecasted air quality conditions.
- Identify resources to support resident and staff safety during smoke events.
- Improve indoor air quality planning.
- Access educational materials for staff, residents, and families.
- Enhance communication and preparedness efforts before and during wildfire season.
By staying informed and planning ahead, LTC providers can better protect residents, staff, and visitors when wildfire smoke affects their communities.
