Air Quality Advisory
Unhealthy Conditions
For the following areas:
HUMBOLDT COUNTY:
Very Unhealthy conditions for communities in the Klamath River Drainage - Orleans, Sawyers Bar, Weitchpec, Hoopa and Willow Creek. Unhealthy conditions are forecast for Weaverville and surround areas. Smoke levels in these areas are forecast to be in the Very Unhealthy range to Unhealthy throughout the day and evening, and are creating a health hazard. These conditions could be problematic for those with health conditions. Air quality will be diminished as offshore winds remain light and continue to push smoke from the wildfires into the Klamath River drainage. A change to a South West wind direction is forecast to begin on Tuesday, and conditions should improve for areas south of the fires and along the coast. Updates will be provided as conditions change.
People are recommended to restrict outdoor activities when possible.
Symptoms that may be related to excess smoke exposure include:
· Repeated coughing
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Wheezing
· Chest tightness or pain
· Palpitations
· Nausea or unusual fatigue
· Lightheadedness
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider. Please see the NCUAQMD’s General Public Service Announcement for recommendations on limiting smoke exposure.
For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call the NCUAQMD’s hotline toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329), or visit the website at www.ncuaqmd.org.
Health Information for 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.
If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, contact your local health department and/or primary healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly, are pregnant, or have a child in your care.
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
If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.
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 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at
1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).
For further information, visit the District’s website at
NORTH COAST UNIFIED
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
707 L Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Telephone (707) 443-3093 Fax (707) 443-3099
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