On the fires and breathing problems...

[nadinbrzezinski]

I know that probably the local media is running PSA's in Austin, or at least I hope they are.

One of the things that fires produce is smoke, which has a bit of particulate matter. If you happen to have Asthma, COPD or a slew of other breathing problems try to stay inside.

If you cannot.. try to wear a surgical mask. If you lack that, just a bandana. It may look silly. but it could save you a few problems. Oh and it goes without saying... CARRY that rescue inhaler.

And if you are healthy as an ox, from the photos, not a badi idea anyway.

Take care people, and stay safe.

[LoZoccolo]

1. Kick for taking care and staying safe.

:kick:

[NYC_SKP]

2. CDC Wildfires Smoke Fact Sheet: It's the smoke, not the fires, that kill. How to protect yourself.

Know whether you are at risk

If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema, 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.

Protect yourself


Limit your exposure to smoke. Following are ways to protect your health:

Pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Find out if your community provides reports about the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). Also pay attention to public health messages about taking additional safety measures.

Refer to visibility guides if they are available. Not every community has a monitor that measures the amount of particles that are in the air. In the western part of the United States, some communities have guidelines to help people estimate AQI based on how far they can see.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.

Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease, Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. For more information about effective masks, see the Respirator Fact Sheet provided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Safe evacuation

As you evacuate and then return home, be cautious and take the same safety measures you would when there is no emergency: buckle up and do not drink and drive. See CDC’s Impaired Driving fact sheet for more information on these hazards.

Also, make sure that children are properly buckled up and in the rear seat. See CDC’s Child Passenger Safety fact sheet for more information.
Power outages

Power outages can be more than an inconvenience. Click on the What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out page for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, food safety, safe drinking water, power line hazards and more.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp

:patriot:

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. I sugested the surgical mask

for one reason only... dad used to smoke, I got asthma. After his hip broke he staid here for three months. I ended up almost at the ER. The surgical mask was a partial solution to the problem... and cig smoke has very small particulates.

N95 are pretty good actually. I got my supply of surgical masks here for those pesky fires anymore.

[Liberty Belle]

4. Buy an air purifier, they are miraculous. We had a $90 one during the Cedar Fire,house full of smoke

Used it one room at a time and it complete cleared out each room so we could breathe again without wheezing. Target had them and you can order online too. Best thing I ever bought!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

5. Ozone blasters are good too.

www.moldkill.com

I have a big room blaster and a small one you put an aquarium hose on and a bubbler if you want to run it through drinking water.

[Sherman A1]

6. K&R

For those who are in the area affected, good advice.