Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Public Health Department and the Air Pollution Control District share tips on handeling wildfire smoke, excessive heat, and power outages.
Tuolumne County Public Health states “We hope everyone is safe as the Dove Fire response continues. As temperatures are forecast to warm up late this week, we are sharing some safety and health information related to various issues impacting our community this week.” The statement highlights monitoring air quality reports as you would the weather, practice food safety during and after a power outage, and staying cool during the heatwave. Air quality this morning is ‘Moderate’ or ‘Yellow,’ defined as air quality that is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Yesterday the air quality was ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ or Orange, with visibility of 3-5 miles.
Smoky skies may continue to impact air quality levels at times over the days ahead, depending on the fire activity. Tuolumne County Public Health notes as air quality and wind directions change this morning, please check out the information on wildfire smoke and monitor air quality here: https://fire.airnow.gov/#11.38/37.9788/-120.3913 or Purple Air.
Recommendations in handling smoke include devise a management plan with your healthcare provider if you have known health conditions that cause smoke sensitivity and pay attention to public service announcements, health advisories, and air quality advisories. Actions to take when smoke becomes a problem include stay indoors during periods of heavy smoke, close all windows and doors while running your AC if possible, and wear an N95 mask when outdoors. Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as burning candles, using gas stoves, and vacuuming. Create a DIY indoor air filter using a box fan, MERV 13 air filter, and duct tape as detailed here.
For anyone impacted by a power outage Public Health shares food safety information from the CDC; During a power outage keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If the doors stay closed, food will stay safe up to: 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer, 24 hours in a half-full freezer. If the power has been out for 4 hours, and a cooler and ice are available, put refrigerated perishable foods in the cooler. To keep them at 40°F or below, add ice or a cold source like frozen gel packs. More details are here.
For weather and heat: Watch weather forecasts and plan to safe and cool during the hottest parts of the day. Cool locations include public spaces like Tuolumne County Public Library, public pools, shopping centers, etc. More info here: https://www.ready.gov/heat
For more information and any questions, please call Tuolumne County Public Health at (209) 533-7401.
