You, like everyone else in Los Angeles, are probably getting very tired of the consistent smoke that has been plaguing the area in the last few days. We all are. Sadly, this might go on for a few more days given the current state of the California wildfires. In the meantime, you can take a few precautions to better deal with the Los Angeles smoke.
People at Risk
First of all, it’s important to know who’s at greater risk when it comes to inhaling all this wildfire smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main groups of people who are the most vulnerable.
- People with heart or lung disease
- Older adults
- Children
This, of course, doesn’t mean that just because you don’t belong to any of these groups you should go out and about inhaling smoke. Heavy smoke can irritate your respiratory system and hurt your eyes, even without pre-existing conditions. This is why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions with how heavy Los Angeles smoke has been lately.
Los Angeles Smoke Precautions
The CDC also has a variety of different recommendations for those living in areas with heavy wildfire smoke. Here’s what you should take into account.
- First, be sure to be prepared for wildfires.
- Use available tools such as AirNow.gov to check local air quality reports.
- Keep your indoor air as clean as possible by keeping windows and doors closed. Additionally, use fans and air conditioners to keep your home fresh and ventilated throughout the day.
- Avoid burning candles, turning on fireplaces, or smoking.
- If you have to go outside, wear a mask (which you should be doing already anyway).
- Evacuate from the path of wildfires if necessary.
For more information, visit the Cal Fire website to learn more about possible wildfires in your are.
