Everybody who has asthma needs an asthma action plan. Even if your asthma is well-controlled, a close encounter with your friend’s cat or a whiff of fumes from a bus could throw you into a full-scale attack. With a plan at your fingertips, you can track your symptoms and know exactly what to do if your asthma flares up.

“An action plan puts you in control of your asthma,” says Vanessa Cavero-Chavez, M.D. Dr. Cavero-Chavez is an allergist and immunologist at the University of Florida Health in Gainesville. “It’s a tool that you and your doctor come up with together that’s specific to your needs. So if a flare-up happens, you’ll know exactly what you need to do.”

Follow these 6 simple steps to get started with your asthma action plan.

1. Partner with your doctor.

A good asthma action plan is one that’s developed with the help of your doctor or an asthma and allergy specialist. “Discuss your triggers and symptoms. Then come up with a plan together,” says Dr. Cavero-Chavez. To get started, all you need is a sheet of paper. (You can also ask your doctor if they have an action plan template.) When you’ve got it all down in writing, you’re less likely to panic if your asthma acts up.

2. Include your vital information.

On your paper, write down the following:

• Your name.
• Your emergency contact’s name and number.
• Your doctor’s contact info.
• Your asthma triggers, such as allergies, smoke, exercise, or dust.

3. Know your zones.

Think traffic lights — then divide your plan into three sections: green, yellow, and red. Each zone has useful information about what to do when your peak zone is at certain levels.

• Green zone: All systems are go. Your breathing is good, with no cough or wheeze, and your peak flow meter reading is 80% or higher. In this case, your doctor will likely have you continue your long-term control medicine as directed. In the green zone section, you can jot down ways to prevent asthma symptoms. Examples include using your controller medication and avoiding asthma triggers.
• Yellow zone: Caution. Your asthma is beginning to flare up. Signs include having mild breathing problems, coughing or wheezing, and a peak flow meter reading between 50% and 79%. Your doctor might tell you to keep taking your long-term control medicine and advise you on when to take your quick-relief medicine. This part of your plan tells you what to do to treat your symptoms before they get worse — to help you return to the green zone.
• Red zone: Danger. Call your doctor or contact 911. If you’re having trouble breathing, your medicine isn’t helping, and your peak flow meter reading is less than 50%, you may be having a serious attack. Your doctor might advise you to take additional medicine. Or they may tell you to go straight to the hospital. In this section you’ll list medications to take in an emergency.

4. Share your plan with others.

Let your friends, family, and coworkers in on your plan. That way if you have an asthma attack, you don’t have to go it alone. Plus, when others know what to do when they see you wheezing or gasping for air, they can spring into action to get you the help you need.

5. Keep medications close by.

Always carry your fast-action rescue inhaler with you, even at work or at the gym. And check expiration dates periodically to make sure none of the medications has expired. Talk to your doctor about replacing expired meds.

6. Know when to call 911.

Know what to do if your meds aren’t helping. And have clear guidelines about when to go to the ER. Follow this rule: Call 911 if your breathing continues to be difficult after using your rescue inhaler, or if it doesn’t improve after your doctor’s instructions. Always carry your doctor’s phone number and other emergency numbers; add them to the contact list on your mobile phone for speedy dialing.

Don’t let asthma get the best of you. Your action plan is key to staying prepared so you can keep doing what you love.