If the sky over Denver looks hazy right now, you’re not imagining it. Colorado has had wildfire smoke rolling in from out of state for days, and the state health department has issued air quality alerts across the whole Front Range. Fires burning in Utah and the Pacific Northwest are sending smoke our way, and it’s settling over Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, and the rest of the metro area.
For most people, a smoky sky is annoying and not much else. For older adults and people with health conditions, it can turn dangerous fast.
What Does the Air Quality Index Number Actually Mean?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) runs from 0 to 500, and the EPA breaks it into six categories. For older adults specifically, the number that matters most is 100. Once the Denver Air Quality Index climbs above 100, air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes older adults, and anyone with heart or lung disease. Above 150, air quality is considered unhealthy for everyone, not just sensitive groups. As a simple rule during a wildfire smoke event: if the Air Quality Index in Denver reads above 100, it’s time to move activity indoors for anyone over 65 or managing a chronic condition, regardless of how the sky looks outside.
What’s the Air Quality Index in Denver, Colorado Right Now?
Air quality changes day to day and sometimes hour to hour during a wildfire event, so checking the current Air Quality Index in Denver, Colorado matters more than remembering what it was yesterday. You can check the live number for your zip code at AirNow.gov, the federal government’s official real-time air quality tracker, or search “Air Quality Index Denver” for a quick local reading. During an active alert, that number matters more than what the sky looks like outside your window, since smoke can be thick with a low Air Quality Index reading or the reverse.
How Does Wildfire Smoke in Denver Affect Older Adults?
For older adults, lungs and heart don’t recover from stress the way they used to. Wildfire smoke carries tiny particles that get deep into the lungs, and for someone with COPD, asthma, or heart disease, that can mean trouble breathing, chest tightness, or a flare-up serious enough to land them in the ER.
Watch for coughing that’s worse than usual, shortness of breath even while resting, a scratchy throat or burning eyes, unusual tiredness or a foggy feeling, or chest tightness paired with a racing heart. None of these are things to wait out. If they show up and don’t ease, call the doctor. If it’s severe, get medical help right away.
How to Keep Older Adults Safe from Denver Wildfire Smoke
Keep them inside with windows and doors closed. Run the air conditioner on recirculate if there’s one available. Skip strenuous indoor activity like vacuuming or sweeping, since that stirs up settled particles. Check that inhalers or rescue medications are on hand and not expired. And watch how the person is actually feeling, not just the number on an app.
How a Caregiver at Andrea’s Angels Can Help Keep Seniors Safe During Wildfire Smoke in Denver
Most heat and smoke emergencies happen to older adults who live alone, without anyone noticing the early signs. At Andrea’s Angels, our caregivers are already checking in on clients across Denver Metro and Northern Colorado every day. During a week like this one, that daily visit is another set of eyes watching for warning signs before they become a hospital visit.
Andrea’s Angels provides home and community-based care across Denver Metro and Northern Colorado, including support through Colorado’s IHSS and Brain Injury Waiver programs. If you need help keeping them safe during Denver wildfire smoke, contact us today.
