Wildfire Crisis Resources

The following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of bad air quality:

• If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.
• Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors. Use air conditioners that recirculate air to filter out harmful particles.
• Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present.
• Avoid air conditioners that only bring in outside air and don’t recirculate. Check and replace air filters regularly. Filters labeled “MERV13” or higher are most effective for removing smoke particles. HEPA air purifiers can further reduce indoor particles.
• If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed and you don’t have an air conditioner, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from harmful air.
• Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.
• If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
• When smoke lingers, fine particles may build up indoors even if you can't see them. Masks can protect against larger particles, but most don’t block fine particles or toxic gases, which are more harmful.
• Practice safe clean-up following a fire. Follow the ash clean-up and food safety instructions at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.

The following is recommended for pets:

• Avoid leaving your pets outdoors, particularly at night. Pets should be brought into an indoor location, such as an enclosed garage or a house.
• If dogs or cats appear to be in respiratory distress, they should be taken to an animal hospital immediately. Symptoms of respiratory distress for dogs include panting and/or an inability to catch their breath. Symptoms for cats are less noticeable, but may include panting and/or an inability to catch their breath.

Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions. Public Health advises everyone to take the following precautions to reduce exposure:

1. Stay Inside: Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier or run your air conditioning system on recirculate to keep indoor air clean.
2. Wear a Mask: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask to protect your lungs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or experience health effects due to air pollution, see or smell smoke, see ash in the air, or the air quality index (AQI) is elevated.
3. Secure Loose Items: Tie down or bring in items like chairs, trash cans, and other outdoor belongings to prevent them from becoming hazards.
4. Protect Your Eyes: If outside, wear goggles to shield your eyes from airborne ash and debris.
5. Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news sources for the latest on weather conditions, air quality, and potential evacuation notices.
6. Be Prepared: Have a plan in place in case conditions worsen, including essential supplies and emergency contacts