Where there is smoke there is asthma

The local fire wildfire has filled the air with smoke, burning pine needles and other debris.   One important thing to think about if you  have asthma is that the masks will be hard to breathe through.  I was able to wear one for about 10 minutes and started feeling like I wasn't getting enough air.  So, I am hiding out in an airconditioned (filtering the air) building with an air purifier.  This is a good reminder to have the inhaler up-to-date and to have a backup plan that doesn't rely on the smoke filtering masks.  So as I sit indoors listening to the scanner and waiting for an update on which areas are being added to the mandatory evacuation list, I am thankful that I made preparations ahead of time for emergencies.

Items you might need:

Bottled water, medical supplies in a handy to grab container, a sleeping bag and other emergency supplies in your car, an emergency buddy who lives in a different section so you can make arrangements for a place to sleep if you or your buddy is evacuated.  Shelters are a good last resort, but people with allergies can be exposed to perfumes, soaps or other allergens in a shelter and if you have an allergy buddy you can be more certain of a safe healthy place to weather the emergency.