When Fire Season Begins: Emergency Planning Every Caregiver Needs to Hear

Wildfire season is no longer a regional problem. From the West Coast to the Midwest, and even parts of the South and East, fires are starting earlier, burning hotter, and lasting longer. Climate change has shifted the pattern. What used to be a summer threat is now a year-round reality for many.

For caregivers, that changes everything.

When you are responsible for an older adult, someone with limited mobility, or a child with special needs, you do not just plan for yourself. You plan for someone who depends on you. And in a crisis, every second counts.

Here are 5 things every caregiver should do before the next alert hits your phone:

1. Pack a “Go Bag” and make sure it’s personalized.
Include medications, medical devices, incontinence supplies, mobility aids, and a printed list of emergency contacts and medical information. Do not forget comfort items, especially for those with dementia or sensory sensitivities.

2. Know your exit routes and backups.
Evacuation plans should not rely on one road out. Talk with neighbors, case managers, or local responders if mobility assistance might be needed.

3. Have a communication plan.
If phone lines go down or cell towers are out, how will you reconnect? Set up a family or caregiving team text thread. Choose a contact outside your area who can serve as a check-in point.

4. Prepare for power outages.
For those who rely on electricity for oxygen, refrigeration, or communication devices, this is critical. Consider a battery backup or talk with your utility company about medical priority lists.

5. Register for alerts.
Every city and county have a different emergency alert system. Sign up for local updates and national platforms like FEMA or the Red Cross, which can give broader warnings even if you are traveling.

Caregivers carry a lot. Do not wait for smoke in the air to start preparing.
If you need help building your plan or just need someone to walk through it with you, reach out. You are not in this alone.

Reach out to our 24/7 support line, 833.927.6599. We are here for you before, during, and after the emergency, because caregivers deserve care too.