Wildfire Preparedness & Smoke Safety Guide 2026

April 22, 2026
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Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Updated: April 2026

LIFE, Inc. has developed this Wildfire Preparedness & Smoke Safety Guide 2026 to support people with disabilities and their households.

Wildfires, smoke, and poor air quality can create serious health and safety risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions, mobility limitations, sensory disabilities, or those who rely on electricity or support services. Planning ahead can help you stay safe, reduce risk, and respond quickly if conditions change.

Air Quality & Smoke Safety

  • Stay indoors when smoke levels are high
  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Use air conditioning on recirculate if available
  • Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter if possible
  • Avoid activities that worsen indoor air (burning candles, smoking, vacuuming without a HEPA filter)
  • Wear a properly fitted mask (such as N95) if you must go outside
  • Limit time outdoors during smoky conditions

Some individuals, especially those with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, may be at higher risk. Monitor symptoms closely and seek medical care if needed.

Wildfire Awareness & Evacuation Readiness

  • Stay aware of local wildfire conditions and alerts
  • Know your evacuation routes ahead of time
  • Plan more than one way to leave your area
  • Keep your vehicle fueled or charged
  • Be ready to leave quickly if evacuation is recommended or ordered
  • Do not wait if you feel unsafe

Emergency Power Planning (Critical)

If you rely on electricity or battery-powered equipment:

  • Fully charge:
    • Power wheelchairs or scooters
    • Oxygen equipment, CPAP, ventilators
    • Communication devices, phones, hearing aids
  • Keep backup batteries and chargers accessible
  • Know how long your equipment will work without power
  • Identify places you can go if power is lost (family, shelters, medical facilities)

Smoke and wildfire conditions may disrupt power unexpectedly. Plan ahead.

If you use life-sustaining equipment and lose power, call 911 immediately.

More information:
https://adata.org/factsheet/emergency-power

Mobility, Transportation & Evacuation Safety

  • Arrange accessible transportation ahead of time
  • Contact paratransit or local providers about emergency plans
  • Keep mobility devices ready to go and easy to transport
  • Practice how you would evacuate with:
    • Wheelchairs or walkers
    • Assistive technology
    • Service animals
  • Keep pathways clear in your home for quick exit

Sensory, Communication & Cognitive Access

  • Include your communication needs in your emergency plan
  • Carry written instructions explaining how to communicate with you
  • Keep communication supports (cards, devices, backups) accessible
  • If you are blind or have low vision:
    • Keep accessible alert tools (talking devices, phone alerts)
  • If you are Deaf or hard of hearing:
    • Ensure alerts are available in visual or text formats
  • Plan for children and individuals who may need support in stressful or unfamiliar environments

Emergency Plans & Supply Kits

  • Create and practice a personal evacuation plan
  • Include caregivers, personal assistants, and support providers
  • Inform your support network where supplies are located
  • Pack a “go bag” that is easy to carry or attach to mobility equipment

Your kit should include:

  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Assistive technology and backup batteries
  • Copies of prescriptions and insurance
  • Emergency contacts and care instructions
  • Food, water, and comfort items

Key Items for Wildfire Preparedness

Safety & Medical

  • First aid kit and personal medications
  • Respiratory supplies (inhalers, nebulizers, masks)
  • Medical information and alert tags

Air Quality Protection

  • N95 or similar masks
  • Air purifier if available
  • Extra filters for HVAC or devices

Food & Water

  • Non-perishable food
  • Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)

Power & Communication

  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Portable chargers
  • Backup communication devices

Clothing & Essentials

  • Change of clothes
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Blankets

Important Documents

  • Identification, insurance, medical records
  • Equipment information and contacts

Service Animals & Support Needs

  • Pack food, water, medications, and supplies for service animals and pets
  • Keep leashes, harnesses, and identification ready
  • Plan evacuation options that include service animals and caregivers

Shelters & Community Resources

  • Identify evacuation shelters ahead of time
  • Confirm accessibility when possible
  • Bring all necessary medical and assistive supplies

Stay Connected & Informed

  • Sign up for local emergency alerts
  • Monitor weather and wildfire updates
  • Keep your phone charged

LIFE, Inc.
912-920-2414 – Call for support with planning.

If You Need Immediate Help

If you are in danger, experiencing severe smoke exposure, or unable to evacuate safely:

  • Call 911
  • Follow evacuation orders immediately
  • Seek shelter in a safe, accessible location

Additional Resources

Emergency Power Planning
https://adata.org/factsheet/emergency-power

Air Quality & Wildfire Safety (CDC/EPA)
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires

Know Your Rights During Emergencies

Protections Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

People with disabilities have rights during emergencies, including wildfires and evacuations.

Accessible Information
Emergency alerts and updates must be accessible.

Accessible Transportation
Evacuation transportation must accommodate people with disabilities.

Accessible Shelters
Shelters must be physically and programmatically accessible.

Reasonable Accommodations
Policies must be adjusted as needed, including allowing service animals and support persons.

Effective Communication
Communication must be provided in ways that meet individual needs.

Categories:Emergency Preparedness