How to Deal With Smoke From Wildfires, Plus Clean Air Centers Opening in Trinity County

Press release from Trinity County:

Fire activity continues to keep fire departments active in all areas of California. Continued dry, hot, windy conditions through the weekend will keep fire danger high.

People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults. These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe. For more information see the Trinity County Public Health website:

http://www.trinitycounty.org/index.aspx?page=68

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters have been placed at the following locations:

Hayfork Evacuation Center (Open 24 Hours)

Solid Rock Church

66 Tule Creek Road

Hayfork

Roderick Senior Center (9:00am – 3:00pm)

90 Corral Avenue

Hayfork

Mad River Evacuation Center (Open 24 Hours)

Van Duzen Community Center

591 Van Duzen Road

Mad River

Golden Age Center (9:00am – 7:00pm)

201 Browns Ranch Rd

Weaverville

Junction City School (9:00am – 7:00pm)

430 Red Hill Rd

Junction City

Burnt Ranch School (9:00am – 7:00pm)

251 Burnt Ranch School Road

¼ mile off of Hwy 299

Burnt Ranch

All people in a smoky area (except firefighters or emergency personnel) should avoid strenuous work or exercise outdoors. They should avoid driving whenever possible. If driving is necessary, people should run the air conditioner on the “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the car.

Closing up a home by shutting windows and doors can give some protection from smoke. Most air conditioners are designed by default to re-circulate indoor air. Those systems that have both “outdoor air” and “re-circulate” settings need to be set on “re-circulate” during fire/smoke events to prevent smoke-laden air from being drawn into the building.

Once people have closed up the building in which they live, they should avoid strenuous activity, which can make them breathe harder and faster. They should drink plenty of fluids to keep their respiratory membranes moist.

Foods prepared for use during a smoke event should not require frying or broiling, since these activities can add particles to indoor air. Vacuuming should also be avoided, since most vacuum cleaners disperse very fine dust into the air.

If smoke levels increase to very unhealthy or hazardous levels, it may be appropriate for some individuals to stay in a clean room in the home, relocate temporarily to a cleaner air shelter, or to leave the area entirely if it is possible and safe to do so.

Cleaner Air Shelters are being opened in some areas of Trinity County where the air quality is the worst. These shelters are not intended for people with acute medical problems related to the smoky air. They are not staffed with EMTs or Nurses. People with respiratory distress need to seek medical care with their Health Care Provider. According to Trinity County Public Health Officer Dr. David Herfindahl, “If you are experiencing repeated coughing, difficulty breathing, more wheezing than normal for you, chest tightness or pain, skipped heart beats, or are dizzy contact your health care provider or call 911.”

Note: N95 particulate respirators may provide protection if they are properly fitted, and are recommended for use by first responders (fire, emergency medical, and law enforcement personnel) who are required to work outdoors. All others are encouraged to remain indoors. N95 masks can be purchased at hardware and other stores. Limited supplies are available at the Hayfork Community Health Clinic.

Guidelines:

1.5-3 miles visibility

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid heavy or prolonged exertion.

1-1.5 miles visibility

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors.

Under 1 mile visibility

Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low.

For additional information, see the Wildfire Smoke Public Service Announcement http://www.ncuaqmd.org/files/Wildfire/NCUAQMD%20PSA%20for%208.3.2015.pdf