Wildfires
If you have an urgent health condition or medical need ... call 911.
For tips on how to build an emergency Go-Kit, visit the Ready.gov Build A Kit web page.
The following links can provide additional helpful information:
The latest news from the California Office of Emergency Services: CalOES.ca.gov
Information on current wildfires: California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
Current air quality information: California Air Resources Board
Map of current air conditions: AirNow.gov
More information about wildfire smoke dangers: Ready.gov
More information on wildfire prevention and safety: Centers for Disease Control
Wildfire Smoke Considerations for California's Public Health Officials (PDF)
Wildfire Cleanup Considerations for California's Public Health Officials (PDF)
For the latest wildfire information in your area, monitor your local media, including television, radio and internet.
Wildfire smoke contains many air pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone that are known to cause health issues. Particulate matter can trigger respiratory problems and asthma. Those most at risk include the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory and heart conditions. Children are also at a higher risk as they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, and wildfire smoke can irritate their still-developing lungs.
Protect Yourself During a Wildfire
During a wildfire event, the first things you should protect are yourself and your loved ones. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. All else is secondary.
Emergency Evacuation Preparedness
Wildfires can lead to emergency evacuations and it's important to follow your local officials when evacuations are ordered. If you're looking for current evacuation information, monitor local news outlets (television, radio, etc.) as well as official social media sites for emergency responders (sheriff, police, fire). Be sure to follow the directions of safety personnel to ensure your safety and the safety of first responders. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. Time is crucial!
Here are the "P's of Preparedness" to help you organize your evacuations efforts:
- People
- Pets
- Papers (important documents)
- Phone numbers or phones
- Prescriptions (medications and glasses)
- Pictures (and other mementos)
- PCs (for the info stored on them)
- Plastic (credit cards, cash)
When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:
- Monitor local area radio or television states for the latest wildfire information.
- Be prepared to evacuate on a moment's notice.
- Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.
- Locate nearby shelters, including ones that take pets.
- Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area.
For more information, visit these websites:
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program:
The wildfires and power outages may affect families enrolled in CDPH's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Participants should call their WIC clinic or (800) 852-5770 before visiting to confirm service availability until further notice. Information is also available at California WIC Mobile.