Wildfire Smoke
Alert and Advisory
STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR WARNS OF
SMOKE FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES
SACRAMENTO - Parents and individuals with sensitive health conditions
who live near areas affected by the Southern California fires should
stay alert to changing smoke levels and be prepared to act accordingly,
State Health Director Diana M. Bontá, R.N., Dr.P.H., advised
today.
Smoky conditions can be hazardous for young children, the elderly,
individuals with heart conditions or chronic lung disease such as
asthma and bronchitis, and individuals with other respiratory ailments.
Because of the uncertainty of fire conditions, Bontá advises
residents near the fires to be prepared. Individuals with asthma,
bronchitis, emphysema and other lung or heart diseases should make
sure that they are on medication and have at least a five-day supply
on hand. Individuals with asthma should consult their physician
about an asthma management plan and stick to it during unusually
smoky conditions. Listen for radio and television messages about
fires in your area.
Bontá also advised residents to be prepared to stay indoors
and limit their activity if necessary. Check for a "recirculation"
function on your air conditioner. If smoke is present, it will be
easier to breathe indoors if air is recirculating instead of drawing
smoky air from outdoors. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms
such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe
fatigue. This is important for not only people with chronic lung
or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been previously
diagnosed with such illnesses. Smoke can "unmask" or produce
symptoms of such diseases.
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Wildfire
Smoke - Guide for Public Health Officials