California Smoke Information: Tuesday September 5, 2017 - North Coast Unified AQMD Smoke Unhealthy Advisory

Unhealthy Advisory for areas in Humboldt County regarding smoke from current wildfires. See the district's website for additional information.

Air Quality Advisory

Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy Conditions

Updated, September 5, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For the following areas:

In Humboldt County:

Orleans, Weitchpec, Hoopa, and Willow Creek are forecast to see “Unhealthy” with periods of “Very Unhealthy” conditions.

In Del Norte County:

Smith River and surrounding areas are forecast overall “Unhealthy” with periods of “Very Unhealthy” conditions.

Klamath is forecast “Unhealthy” with periods of “Very Unhealthy” conditions.

Inland areas east of Crescent City (Gasquet, etc.) are expected to be overall “Unhealthy” with periods of “Very Unhealthy” conditions.

In Trinity County:

Weaverville and areas outside the basin can expect smoke levels of “Unhealthy” to “Very Unhealthy” conditions depending on proximity to the wildfires.

Clean Air Shelters in Humboldt County:

- Weitchpec Tribal Office, Highway 96, Weitchpec. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Hoopa Neighborhood Facility, Hoopa Tribal Office, Highway 96, Hoopa, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., M-F and this Holiday Weekend.

Clean Air Shelters in Trinity County:

- Golden Age Center at 201 Browns Ranch Rd, Weaverville

- American Red Cross Evacuation Shelter, First Baptist Church, 1261 Main St., Weaverville.

Clean Air Shelters in Del Norte County (see also http://preparedelnorte.com):

- Family Resource Center, 494 Pacific Ave, Crescent City (closed 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.)

- Tsunami Lanes Bowling Alley, 760 L Street, Crescent City (open during regular bowling alley hours posted at location)

- Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort (formerly Ship Ashore), 12370 Hwy 101 N.,

Smith River (closed 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.)

Updates will be provided as conditions change.

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 District’s website www.ncuaqmd.org 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

www.ncuaqmd.org