Preparing for the Santa Ana Wind Events

Southern California has just experienced its first Santa Ana wind event of the season. Temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 80s and low 90s which are about 10 to 15 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year.

Older adults are more at risk during emergencies, which makes the role of caregivers even more important. Taking time to prepare before and during these Santa Ana winds can make all the difference in keeping loved ones safe.

What Are the Santa Ana Winds?

Santa Ana winds are hot, dry gusts that blow into Southern California from inland desert areas. As the air travels down the slopes of the mountains toward the Pacific Ocean, it becomes even drier and warmer.

These winds typically occur from early fall through early spring, often bringing low humidity, high temperatures. They can also knock down trees, branches, and power lines, causing outages and sometimes sparking fires, while their gusts can carry embers long distances, spreading flames quickly and threatening homes and infrastructure. How the Winds Can Affect Older Adults

If You’re Indoors

Power outages are common during strong winds, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Stay hydrated: Older adults should drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit or vegetable juices, or drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Keep cool: Heat can be especially dangerous for older adults. Older adults are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that affect how their bodies respond to temperature, and many take medications that can reduce the ability to control body heat or sweat. Use portable or battery-powered fans to circulate air. Keep shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, and open windows at night to let in cooler air. Encourage older adults to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton are usually cooler and more breathable than synthetic fibers.

Have food ready: Stock up on non-perishable food Charge Your Power Sources: Charge all phones, mobility aids, and medical devices before the winds pick up. Have flashlights, power banks, and extra batteries ready. Stay informed: Listen to weather updates through the National Weather Service, NOAA Weather Radio, or local news stations. Plan for medical needs: If you use medical equipment that needs electricity or medications that must be refrigerated, talk to your healthcare provider about what to do if the power goes out. Ask how long medications can safely be stored at higher temperatures and what steps to take if refrigeration isn’t possible. Consider a battery-powered cooler if you rely on refrigerated medications or need to keep perishable food safe, a small battery-powered cooler can help maintain proper temperatures during a power outage. Prevent Falls: If the lights go out, caregivers should assist older adults when moving around to prevent falls. Caregivers should also ensure that walkways are free of clutter, cords, and rugs that could cause trips or falls. Keep indoor air clean: Windblown dust and ash from the Santa Ana winds can contain tiny particles that irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs especially for older adults with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions.

Keep doors and windows closed when winds are strong or if air quality is poor. Consider using a portable air purifier or air filter, ideally one with a HEPA filter, to help reduce indoor dust and allergens.

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If You Live in a Fire-Risk Area Santa Ana winds often increase wildfire danger, especially in dry areas. Stay ready by:

• Reviewing your evacuation plan: Know your routes and have a plan for transportation if you or your loved one have mobility challenges.
  

• Packing a go-bag: Include essentials like water, medications, extra eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, important documents, a flashlight, snacks, and a light sweater or blanket.
  

• Staying alert: Follow local fire department and emergency alerts, and evacuate immediately if advised. Don’t wait for conditions to worsen.
  

For your city or county, contact the relevant Older Adult/AD/AAA agency to ask about emergency preparedness help, home-based services, caregiver respite, etc. You can use this directory.

Caregivers Should Care for Themselves, Too

Caring for an older adult during extreme weather or emergencies can be stressful, and caregivers often put their own needs last. But staying healthy, alert, and calm is essential not just for you, but also for the safety of the person you’re caring for. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat regular meals, just as you would encourage the older adult to do. Take breaks whenever possible, even for a few minutes, to rest, stretch, or simply breathe deeply as these small pauses can help reduce stress and improve focus.

It’s important to reach out for support from family, friends, or local caregiving groups, which can offer advice, respite care, or counseling when needed. Keep track of your own health, including taking medications as prescribed and attending to any chronic conditions, because fatigue or illness can reduce your ability to respond quickly in an emergency. These small steps of preparation and thoughtful care can turn challenging days into moments of safety, resilience, and connection.

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This article was made by  Elder Love USA.

As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care.  

All caregivers undergo thorough background checks and training with certification.  

Our rates are lower than other providers thanks to partnerships, donations, grants, and revenue from our cleaning program.  

Our caregivers can assist with personal care, shopping, cooking, transportation, housekeeping, and case management.  

We proudly serve Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. 

If you’d like to learn more about how our services can benefit you or your loved one, contact us today.

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