The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air Alert through Thursday due to smoke from wildfires in California and Oregon.
Residents are not allowed to burn wood and should avoid smoke by remaining indoors.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District shared recommendations.
How Individuals Can Prepare for Wildfire Smoke:
- Weatherize the home in preparation for wildfires by replacing or refurbishing old leaky windows and doors; use caulking to seal the openings.
- Consider purchasing a non-ozone producing air purifier (HEPA) to create a cleaner air room in the home, or consider purchasing a MERV 13 or greater filter for your HVAC system to be used when we are experiencing a heavy smoke event.
- Consider upgrading to an HVAC system that allows for both heating and cooling and has the mechanism to switch to RECIRCULATE to prevent smoke from entering the space.
- Individuals with health conditions should talk to their physicians to develop a personal plan for smoke.
- Identify locations in your community that have cleaner filtered air spaces such as:
- indoor shopping malls
- local libraries
- cooling centers
- community centers
- civic centers
- local government buildings
- Make a plan to go to a cleaner air location if you are unable to seal your home or if dense smoke occurs during hot weather events.
Special Health Concerns Related to Wildfire Smoke:
- Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Drink plenty of water during heavy smoke events.
- Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema, COPD or other respiratory conditions.
- Elderly persons, pregnant women, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
- Those with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant women, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and either move or reschedule outdoor activities.
- Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan.
- Individuals should contact their physician if they have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms believed to be caused by the smoke. Concerned individuals should consult their physician for personalized recommendations.
What to Do During a Smoke Event:
- Leave the affected area, if possible, for the duration of the heavy smoke event.
- Staying indoors with windows and doors closed, where air quality is better, is the best way to protect your health. During high heat and heavy smoke events, keep indoor air cool or visit a cleaner air-cooling center.
- Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to recirculate to prevent outside air from moving inside.
- Avoid adding additional air pollution by curtailing activities such as wood burning, lawn mowing, leaf blowing, driving, barbecuing, or other dust-producing activities.
- Masks are not a substitute for staying indoors and must be fitted properly for best protection.
- Masks can provide a false sense of security and may not provide the protection needed.
- Bandanas and typical surgical masks do little to protect against wildfire smoke particles.
- Certified N95 masks are currently not approved for children – new mask guidance for children is currently under consideration.
- If unable to visit a cleaner air center or a cooling center, those that must be outside for extended periods of time may benefit from using a tight fitting N95 mask to reduce their exposure.
Find more information here.