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Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith Monday, July 16, 2018 Wildfire Smoke Based on projections, most of Alpine County and the surrounding areas are expected to soon see a significant increase in wildfire smoke from the Ferguson Fire near Yosemite. There are no permanent air quality monitoring stations in Alpine County, so the public will need to make decisions regarding outdoor activities based on the visibility chart which follows. Due to the anticipated elevated particulate pollution levels, children, the elderly, people with heart or lung problems, or people with current illnesses, are advised to limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the impacted areas. If you have any questions please call the Great Basin Air Pollution Control District office in Bishop at [PHONE REDACTED]. Residents and visitors to the Eastern Sierra are experiencing smoke coming through the passes and settling in the valleys, especially in the morning. As the day goes on, increasing smoke is also encountered at higher elevations. Keep in mind that this is a very fluid and ever-changing situation, dependent on the fire, control efforts, and the wind. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer HHS Director Office: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 249 Office: [PHONE REDACTED] e-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 24/7/365 Emergency Contact Numbers Dr. Johnson’s cell: (760) 914-0496 Dispatch: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 330 ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith How to tell if smoke is affecting you Smoke can cause— • Coughing • A scratchy throat • Irritated sinuses • Shortness of breath • Chest pain • Headaches • Stinging eyes • A runny nose • Asthma exacerbations If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your worse. People who have heart disease might experience— • Chest pain • Rapid heartbeat • Shortness of breath • Fatigue Smoke may worsen for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways: • Inability to breathe normally • Cough with or without mucus • Chest discomfort • Wheezing and shortness of breath When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these In addition to using the following visual guide, residents are encouraged to protect themselves and to seek medical treatment, if experiencing uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, or choking, or if breathing difficulty does not subside indoors. ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith Know whether you are at risk If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, or asthma, you are at higher risk of having health problems than healthy people. Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people. Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors. Recommendations for Minimizing Smoke Exposure: 1. Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air-conditioner on “recirculate” setting. Minimize the use of swamp coolers. If it becomes too warm indoors, individuals may consider leaving the area to seek alternative shelter. 2. When driving make sure to drive with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on “recirculate.” 3. Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise, during smoky conditions. 4. People who must spend time outdoors should drink plenty of fluids. 5. Additionally, pet owners should consider bringing their pets indoors out of the unhealthy air conditions, if possible. This is especially important for older pets. 6. Stay tuned to local radio and TV for emergency announcements about air quality. To keep up-to-date on the status of California’s wildfires, and smoke impacts, go to: http://www.californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com Protect yourself from Wildfire Smoke video: http://www.arb.ca.gov/videos/impacts_of_smoke.htm NOAA: US Forest Service: Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District Health Advisories: bin/healthAdvisories ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith