2022 Pre-season wildfire smoke information
24 June 2022
Published by: https://www.triplicate.com
USA – The North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD), in coordination with the Public Health Departments of Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity Counties and regional Tribal Health Departments, provide the following information to help prepare for smoke impacts during wildfire events.
The NCUAQMD will continue to issue a single combined Air Quality (AQ) Smoke Advisory notification document during wildfire events. This comprehensive AQ Smoke Advisory will indicate the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels of concern (Hazardous, Unhealthy, Moderate, etc.) for communities for which there is acceptable forecast information. During wildfire events, AQ Smoke Advisories will be updated as conditions change. If your location is within an area impacted by wildfire smoke, please watch for the AQ Smoke Advisory via our email distribution and on our website at www.ncuaqmd.org.
The NCUAQMD maintains an email distribution list for sending AQ Smoke Advisory notifications.
The NCUAQMD, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the EPA highly recommend using the EPA’s Fire & Smoke Map (https://fire.airnow.gov) for air quality smoke impacts and current AQI information. Although there are alternative websites with similar information, this website provides the best information for viewing smoke maps, deployed PM2.5 wildfire monitors, and corrected sensor information. The NCUAQMD website also provides links to the latest and most accurate information available on wildfire smoke impacts and how to protect yourself from smoke. If you have health concerns, are elderly, pregnant, or have a child in your care, consider talking with your doctor now about what to do if the air becomes smoky. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke and preparation prior to a smoke event is recommended.
The NCUAQMD also provides a Wildfire Smoke Guidance and Recommended Activity Guide for Schools During Wildfires for schools when there is wildfire smoke. This information is available on our website, so please share this information as appropriate. This guide is based upon the California Department of Education’s (CDE’s) air quality guidance template for schools, which provides recommendations for schools and others responsible for children during a wildfire smoke and other air quality event(s). The guidance provides health recommendations for schools, coaches, and event coordinators regarding student exposure to wildfire smoke.
For more information, call the NCUAQMD at (707) 443-3093, the Humboldt County Public Health Department at (707) 445-6200, the Trinity County Public Health Department at (530) 623-1265, or the Del Norte Public Health Department at (707) 464-3191.
Health Information & Actions To Protect Yourself From Smoke Impacts Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. 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.
Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.
Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.
For further information, visit the District’s website at www.ncuaqmd.org or call the District’s Wildfire Response Coordinator at (707) 443-3093 x122.
