. An effective strategy includes preparing in advance, protecting indoor air, ensuring accessible communication, and having a personal support network. 

• Create an emergency kit: Pack specific supplies for your needs, including medications, batteries for medical equipment like oxygen concentrators or powered wheelchairs, and extra filters for HVAC systems or air purifiers.
• Establish a support network: Coordinate with family, friends, and caregivers about your emergency plan. This is especially important if your disability affects mobility or communication.
• Develop a personal alert system: For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, use text messaging, pagers, or TTYs to receive air quality alerts. In-home smoke alarms should have vibrating pads or flashing lights.
• Discuss emergency needs with local first responders: Inform your local fire department of any specific needs that are relevant during an evacuation, like mobility limitations or communication disabilities.
• Have an emergency card: Keep a card on you with essential information for first responders, including your health conditions, communication needs, and medication details. 

• Use air purifiers: Run a certified portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter in a “clean air” room where you spend most of your time. Avoid devices that generate ozone, a harmful pollutant.
• Upgrade HVAC filters: Use the highest-rated filter (MERV-13 or higher) that your system can handle and set the fan to run continuously to filter particles from the indoor air.
• Limit outdoor air intake: Keep windows and doors closed. If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, close it or set the system to recirculate mode.
• Create a clean room: If you don’t have a whole-house system, pick a room with no fireplace and few windows. Use a portable air purifier there and avoid activities that add indoor pollutants.
• Avoid indoor pollutants: Do not smoke, burn candles, or use wood stoves. Activities like frying food and vacuuming can also add particles to the air. 

• Have extra medication: People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should have an ample supply of their prescribed medications, including rescue inhalers, and follow their doctor’s management plan.
• Know your symptoms: Be aware of how poor air quality affects your specific condition. Monitor for increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If severe symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
• Use accessible information: If you have a cognitive disability, request or create accessible information with visual supports or simplified language. This can help with understanding health risks and protective measures.
• Seek out clean air shelters: If staying at home is unsafe due to heat or poor indoor air, locate air-conditioned community centers or designated clean air shelters. Check for accessibility accommodations beforehand. 

• Make emergency warnings accessible: If your disability affects your ability to receive information, identify alternative ways to get alerts. Advocate for public advisories to be accessible to all, with clear language and multiple formats.
• Collaborate with organizations: Work with disability organizations and community groups to develop tailored support plans for your specific needs.
• Educate others: Inform caregivers, support staff, and family about the specific precautions you need to take during an air quality advisory.