“Air quality may be changing in a number of our communities, even those far away from the fires,” said State Public Health Officer and CDPH Director Dr. Sonia Angell. “It’s important that you have the information you need to stay safe: children, women who are pregnant and older adults, and people with existing lung and heart conditions may be particularly sensitive to changes in air quality.”
On CDPH’s website, visitors can view current air quality conditions by simply entering their zip code.
The following tips can help Californians reduce smoke inhalation during wildfires:
- Stay Indoors: Stay inside with the doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to smoky air. If you have power, run an air conditioner if you have one. If the air conditioner has a recirculate option, use it. Smoke levels can change during the course of a day, so try to stay indoors during smokier times.
- Reduce Activity: Reduce physical activity to reduce inhalation of smoky air. During exercise, people can increase their air intake as much as 20 times from their resting level.
- Be Prepared: Monitor wildfire activity in your area and be prepared to evacuate if advised.
As part of emergency preparedness make sure that all prescribed medications are filled, and this includes if you have prescribed inhalers.
•••
For information on air quality in your area and how to protect your health during wildfires, please visit the CDPH website. www.cdph.ca.gov