Wildfires are one of the extreme weather events that appear to be increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change, bringing with them both short-term and long-term environmental and health implications. We are now facing environmental and health challenges that range from immediate dangers to long-term impacts. Despite being in the midst of hurricane season, we can’t lose sight of the risks posed by wildfires, especially with above-normal temperatures predicted to continue stretching across much of the U.S. through the fall.

According to the North American Seasonal Fire Assessment and Outlook (nifc.gov), fire activity escalated significantly across the western U.S. this July, pushing the National Preparedness Level to four and then five within just weeks. These elevated levels signal the seriousness of the threat, reinforcing the need for preparation and response efforts at all levels – from individual families to healthcare facilities and emergency managers.  

One year ago, we engaged in emergency coordination and response efforts following the devastating Hawaii wildfires, by working to bring together resources from non-governmental and private sector partners to address the unmet medical needs of the community. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) included RxOpen in a press release about the wildfires in Hawaii, highlighting the important role that we serve.

The use of , the essential tool for emergency managers and planners and the nation’s only available database that enables users to search for open pharmacies and dialysis centers in disaster-affected areas

In this year’s wildfire season, RxOpen has been redesigned from the ground up to provide a more robust and user-friendly experience, ensuring seamless access to critical information during emergencies.  The latest enhancements provide users with a mobile-friendly interactive map, empowering anyone to easily navigate and find the operational status of nearby pharmacies and dialysis centers, all from the convenience of their handheld devices. 

The health effects of wildfires are far-reaching. According to the , the exposure to particle pollution from wildfire smoke can lead to a of health problems, range from relatively minor (e.g., eye and respiratory tract irritation) to more serious health effects (e.g., exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death).

“In addition to the immediate medical needs of burns and the effects of smoke, the lack of dialysis, chemotherapy, and needed medications can result in significant health challenges,” says Dr. Matthew Minson, Healthcare Ready board member, who spoke about the

We continue to provide information about proactive measures individuals and healthcare facilities can take to prepare for wildfire season, including evacuation plans and emergency supply kits.

Evacuation plan suggestions include:

• Use your state emergency management agency and RedCross.org/Shelters website to find local shelters
• Identify back-up locations, such as the homes of loved ones or motels
• Plan several routes to your back-up locations
• Use RxOpen.org to locate pharmacies near your alternative location
• Follow the instructions of local officials
• Have a communication and reunification plan with everyone in your home
• If you are unable to evacuate, alert local emergency management officials and your loved ones or caretakers.

Finally, the CDC includes the following recommendations for staying safe after a wildfire:

• Check your local air quality at airnow.gov or on your phone’s weather app.
• Take steps to reduce your exposure to smoke. Smoke can stay in the air for days after a wildfire ends.
• Children and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or those who are pregnant need to be especially careful about breathing wildfire smoke.
• Protect yourself against ash when you clean up. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shoes and socks to protect your skin. Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
• Wash off any ash that gets on your skin or in your eyes or mouth as soon as you can.
• Limit how much ash you breathe in by wearing a NIOSH Approved N95 respirator. A respirator is a mask that fits tightly to your face to filter out ash before you can breathe it in. You must wear a respirator correctly.

For additional information from Healthcare Ready about preparing for health needs before, during, and after a wildfire, see our Disaster Tip Sheet: Wildfires.