Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for much of Northern California due to the wildfires currently burning in Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties. While Alameda County is not experiencing any fires, the smoke is drifting to the East Bay and many people can smell and see smoke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this smoke can hurt your eyes, bother your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Children, older adults and people who have heart or lung disease, including asthma, are at greater risk from wildfire smoke.

Here are some safety precautions to take during this time:

  • Check local air quality reports. Please listen or watch the news for health warnings about smoke. AirNow.gov is the Environmental Protection Agency’s site that tells you how clean or polluted outdoor air is, along with associated health effects that may be of concern.
  • Avoid activities that will increase indoor pollution like burning candles or fireplaces.
  • Follow the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider especially if you have been diagnosed with a heart or lung condition.

For more tips or advice, please visit:

Fires and Your Health
https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_events

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
https://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires/index.html