Last November, our region was overcome with wildfire smoke for more than a week from the Camp Fire. Although this smoke event was unusual,
Sacramento County Public Health and the Sac Metro Air District has important information for this upcoming fire season. Learn how to get prepared before the next smoke event happens:
Air Conditioner Settings and Filters
- Look at your air conditioner’s settings for a re-circulating mode and learn how to re-circulate indoor air.
- Learn about high efficiency HEPA air filters that work with your air conditioner.
- Be sure you know how to replace your air filters.
- Have extra HEPA air filters available in your emergency kit.
Consider Getting a California Air Resources Board certified Air Cleaner to Create a Clean Room
- Portable air cleaners that are certified by the California Air Resources Board use HEPA filters to remove smoke and can be part of creating a “clean room.”
- To create a clean room, establish the room you use the most with the fewest windows and doors. Use an appropriately sized portable air cleaner for the room.
- Note: “Ozone” air cleaners should not be used for smoke as they will make the air worse.
Make A Plan for Temporary Relocation
- If you don’t have an air conditioner or a system that allows for indoor air recirculation, or for those who are sensitive to smoke, develop a plan for temporary relocation during smoke events.
- Cleaner, filtered air may be found at a public library or shopping mall.
N95 Respiratory Masks
- N95 masks should only be used as a last option. These masks may cause difficulty breathing. People with lung conditions should contact a healthcare provider before using an N95 mask.
- N95 masks are not made for children.
- During smoke events, N95 masks will likely be in short supply. Add N95 masks to your home and vehicle emergency kits now, so if you have no other options, they will be available during extreme wildfire smoke events.
- Dust/surgical masks, towels and bandanas are not effective against smoke.
Make a Plan for Your Health
- Exposures to wildfire smoke particulate matter can cause respiratory tract irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, and worsen asthma and other pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss how to manage chronic health conditions due to smoke exposure.
- Those with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.
Check out additional information to learn more about how to prepare for wildfire smoke:
Local Information
Sacramento Region Air Quality Mobile App (free download in all app stores) – Air quality forecast and current readings at air monitors throughout the region.
State Information
