Protecting Your Health in a Wildfire
The LA Wildfire: A Public Health Emergency
A public health emergency has been declared in Los Angeles County, California, due to the LA wildfires and windstorm conditions. There are critical health risks that residents and the public should be aware of and protect against to ensure their safety and well-being.
Wildfire Health Effects
Strong winds and fires have polluted the air with ash, debris, and other hazards. These particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause irritation or inflammation. Wear an N95 mask when outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure. Toxic air can trigger:
Coughing
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Burning eyes
Runny nose
Scratchy throat
Headaches
Chest pains
Palpitations
Nausea
Unusual fatigue
While anyone can be harmed by smoke and ash, children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems are at increased risk from poor air quality.
When to Seek Medical Attention
People experiencing symptoms (shortness of breath, severe coughing, wheezing, headaches, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue) should seek prompt medical attention from their doctor or urgent care provider. If your symptoms worsen or you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Managing Your Prescriptions
Managing your current prescriptions is important to ensure you stay on top of your health, even during a wildfire.
If you have questions related to lost or missing routine prescription medications, certain disaster response rules are in effect. Use caution if you need to leave your home for critical necessities like food, water, and prescription medications.
If pharmacies or insurers are not following these rules, you can report it here.
Tips to Protect You and Your Family
Monitor Your Air Quality
Use air conditioning that recirculates air to filter it instead of pulling in air from outside. Check and replace air filters frequently. HEPA air purifiers are useful. Do not smoke, use fireplaces, burn candles, or vacuum under these conditions.
Use Protective Gear
Wear protective masks like N95 or P100 when outdoors in smoky conditions. Consider goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Limit Outdoor Activity and Physical Exertion
People can engage in indoor sports or physical activity if the location has air conditioning that does not draw in air from the outside and has closed doors and windows to protect the inside air. Limit and avoid outdoor activity in areas that the wildfires have impacted.
Halt Use of Blowers
Do not use power air blowers, including leaf blowers, until the local health officer determines it is safe to use them without causing harm to public health.
Delay Clean Up and Removal of Debris
A current order "prohibits the clean-up and removal of fire debris and ash in the burned residential and business areas of the County until a hazardous materials inspection at the property is conducted."
Return Home When Cleared By Officials
Follow these safety tips once an evacuation order has been lifted and local officials have cleared residents to return to fire-impacted homes and neighborhoods.
The Effects of Pollution on Your Body
Pollution can increase inflammation or irritation in other areas of your body outside of the lungs:
- Stay hydrated. Water helps to rid toxins and keeps airways moist.
- Consider saline rinses to clear pollutants from your nasal passages and to calm irritation
- Consider the use of over-the-counter artificial tears to reduce eye irritation
- Avoid rubbing your eyes; avoid rinsing your eyes with tap water
- Use a cold compress with closed eyelids to rest your eyes as needed
- If eye irritation lasts more than a few days or your vision becomes blurry, seek the care of an ophthalmologist
- Eat a balanced and nutritious meal. Foods that are cruciferous and rich with leafy green and brightly colored vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc. are highly beneficial.
- Practice deep breathing exercises. This improves oxygen exchange, reduces stress, and supports lung health.
Get Timely Assistance
These resources are available to help keep you and your family safe, including your pets, and to receive timely assistance.
Your Mental Health Matters
Natural and manmade disasters can cause persistent stress and mental exhaustion and worsen baseline mental health conditions. Family, community, and social networks are very important: know that you are not alone.
If you or a loved one is experiencing distress, please seek help.