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Wildfire Safety Tips

As California continues to experience statewide wildfires, it’s essential to protect yourself and your family. Don’t wait until it is too late. Learn more about wildfire safety, preparedness and health risks now.

The following social media messages can help Californians protect their health and safety in the event of a wildfire. The messages include tips, such as: staying indoors with windows and doors closed when a wildfire creates smoke in your area, how N95 masks can help protect from wildfire smoke, and what items to grab if you must quickly evacuate. For complete information about wildfire safety, please visit our wildfire safety page.

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Wildfire Smoke Inhalation & Air Quality

Protect you & your family from wildfire smoke​

​Suggested Messaging:

Wildfires can release ash into the air, which can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Take steps to reduce air pollutants in your home during wildfires.

  • Change settings on your A/C unit to re-circulate or close outdoor air intakes
  • Check air quality and avoid going outdoors when there is poor air quality
  • Close all windows, doors and vents outside of the home – you can also put damp towels around the bottoms of doors and window seams as an extra precaution
  • Wear an N95 mask when going outdoors

Learn more about how you can protect yourself from smoke and ash during wildfires at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

​Keep your family safe after a wildfire

Suggested Messaging:

Children and pets may be more susceptible to health risks from breathing in ash. Make sure to:

  • Not allow children or pets into areas that may contain hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris.
  • Watch for signs of breathing issues during and after play outdoors
  • Clean all toys and play areas

Learn more about precautions you can take to protect your family from wildfire smoke and ash at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

​Smoke from wildfires can affect breathing. Keep a 7-day supply ofr medication on hand
Suggested Messaging: 

Smoke from wildfires can affect how you breathe. If you or your child have asthma, or another lung disease keep at least a seven-day supply of medication on hand and call a health care provider if nearby wildfires worsen breathing issues. 

​N95 masks help filter out smoke particles that can cause respiratory issues.

​Suggested Messaging: 

When wildfires are in your area make sure you are masking up, especially if needing to go outside. N95 masks help filter out smoke particles that can cause respiratory issues. Learn more about air quality in your area at https://www.airnow.gov/fires/.

​Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires. Inhaling smoke can cause eye & respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms.

Suggested Messaging:   

Smoke from wildfires can cause eye and respiratory irritation and even more serious reactions. If you are in an area where wildfires are burning, please stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity. Wear an N95 mask if you must go outdoors. For more information on how to prepare for wildfires go to: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires.

​What's the current air quality?

​Suggested Messaging: 

AirNow is a federally funded web page providing current fire conditions, smoke advisories and forecasts, information about how fires may affect your health, and more. For current air quality conditions in your area go to www.airnow.gov.

​What's the current air quality?

Suggested Messaging: 

Is the air quality safe in your area? All you need is your zip code to protect your health and get current air quality conditions at www.airnow.gov.

​If you are near a wildfire: stay indoors, reduce outdoor activity, wear an N95 mask if outdoors for long periods.

Suggested Messaging:  

Those with existing respiratory, lung, or heart conditions should limit their exposure by staying indoors. Air conditioners that recirculate indoor air may be helpful in reducing smoke from entering your home. Please follow local guidance regarding air quality and health and safety messages. For more information: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires. 

​N95 masks What are they and what do they do? An N95 respirator is a filter mask that fits over the nose and mouth. When properly fitted, it can filter 95% of smoke particles.

​Suggested Messaging: 

If you are near a wildfire the best way to avoid smoke inhalation is to stay inside. If you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time you should use an N95 respirator mask. For more information on N95 masks go to: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfire.

​N95 Masks. What do they protect against? Dust, fumes, mists, aerosols, and smoke particulates, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, animal dander and allergens.
Suggested Messaging: 

N95 respirator masks can filter particles less than 0.3 micrometers. By comparison, the width of a single human hair is approximately 60 micrometers. For more information on N95 masks go to: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires.

​N95 Masks. What they don't protect against: the smell of smoke, the smell of gases, vapors from methane, carbon monoxide, and chemicals such as organic solvents and formaldehyde.

​Suggested Messaging: 

There are also some limitations to N95 masks. It’s important to note the following: 

  • They do not fit children and cannot be adapted to properly fit a child. 
  • Beards, stubble, or long mustaches may prevent an N95 mask from sealing properly.  

For more information on N95 masks go to: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 masks. How do I put on an N95 mask? Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor. Place the N95 respirator on the face covering the nose and mouth. Put the buttom strap up and over top of the head, to the back of the head and below the ears. Take the upper strap and pull it up so it rests on the crown of the head. Use your hands to snug the nose piece of the respirator to the bridge of the nose and around all edges for a tight seal. Check to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.

Suggested Messaging: 

N95 masks are not hard to put on, but it’s important to make sure the mask is sealed against the face properly. For more information on N95 masks: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 masks. How do you check the fit of the N95 mask? It's important that the respirator fits properly and air does not leak around the sides. If it does not fit properly, the respirator will provide little if any protection, and may offer a false sense of security.

Suggested Messaging: 

There are several different makes and models of N95 masks so it’s important to do a “fit test” before an emergency arises. For more information on N95 masks: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 masks. How do I wear and store my N95 mask? Masks should not be worn for more than 8 hours and should be replaced regularly. Store respirators in a clean environment. The standard shelf life of N95 respirators is a maximum of five years from production date.

​Suggested Messaging:  

When storing N95 masks they should be protected from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and damaging chemicals. Storage conditions can also affect shelf life, for more information: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires. Inhaling smoke can cause eye & respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms.
Suggested Messaging:  

#WildfireEvacuees staying at shelters should wear masks both indoors and outdoors to protect against wildfire smoke and the spread of #COVID19. Shelters have supplies of N95 masks for those affected by the fires. #INSERTFIRENAME (ex. #CaldorFire) For more information: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires. Inhaling smoke can cause eye & respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms.

​Suggested Messaging:  

Protect yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask, both inside and outside of wildfire evacuee shelters. N95 masks protect against wildfire smoke particulates and all masks help stop the spread of #COVID19. Wildfire evacuee shelters will provide a mask if you need one. #INSERTFIRENAME (ex. #CaldorFire) For more information: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

Wild Safety Preparedness 

​Protect yourself and your loved one this wildfire season

​Suggested Messaging: 

During a wildfire event, the priority is to protect yourself and your loved ones! If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. All else is secondary. Learn more at https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires 
​Wildfire guidelines

​Suggested Messaging:  

When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:  

  • Monitor local area radio or television stations 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. Be sure you bring your pet’s medications.  
  • Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area.  
​Wildfire season is here. Plan ahead, don't wait!

Suggested Messaging:

Wildfire season is here - are you ready? Plan ahead so you can react quickly if needed. Be ready to go with a/an:

  • 3-day emergency kit with essential items (food, water, records, medication) for each family member and pet
  • N95 masks
  • Evacuation plans

Get information on the best ways to prepare for wildfires at 

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx
​P is for peopleP is for petsP is for papers (or important documents)P is for phone numbers or phonesP is for prescriptions ( medications and glasses)P is for pictures (and other mementos)P is for PCs (for the information stored on them)P is for plastic (credit cards and cash)

​Suggested Messaging: 

If you're ordered to evacuate, do so immediately! The “Ps of Preparedness” can help you get ready if an evacuation order comes:  

People  

Pets  

Papers (important docs)  

Phones  

Prescriptions  

Pictures 

PCs (for the info stored)  

Plastic (credit cards/cash)  

Spanish

​Protégete a ti y a tu familia del humo de los incendios forestales.

Suggested Messaging:

Los incendios forestales pueden dejar cenizas en el aire, lo que puede causar tos persistente, secreción nasal, flema, respiración silbante y dificultad para respirar.  

Toma medidas para reducir los contaminantes del aire en tu hogar durante los incendios forestales. 

  • Cambia la configuración de tu unidad de aire acondicionado para recircular o cierra la ventilación exterior 
  • Verifica la calidad del aire y evita salir al aire libre cuando hay mala calidad del aire 
  • Cierra todas las ventanas, puertas y rejillas de ventilación fuera de la casa: también puedes colocar toallas húmedas cubriendo la parte inferior de las puertas y las ventanas como precaución adicional. 
  • Usa una mascarilla N95 cuando salgas al aire libre 

Obtén más información sobre cómo protegerte del humo y las cenizas durante los incendios forestales en: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx 

​Mantén a tu familia segura después de un incendio forestal

Suggested Messaging:

Los niños y las mascotas pueden ser más susceptibles a problemas de salud por inhalar cenizas. Asegúrate de: 

  • No permitir que los niños o las mascotas entren en áreas que puedan contener cenizas calientes, árboles carbonizados, escombros ardientes. 
  • Estar atento a los signos de problemas respiratorios durante y después de jugar al aire libre  
  • Limpiar todos los juguetes y áreas de juego 

Obtén más información sobre cómo protegerte del humo y las cenizas durante los incendios forestales en: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx 

​N95 masks What are they and what do they do? An N95 respirator is a filter mask that fits over the nose and mouth. When properly fitted, it can filter 95% of smoke particles.
Suggested Messaging: 

Si estás cerca de un incendio forestal, la mejor manera de evitar la inhalación de humo es permanecer en interiores. Si tienes que salir al aire libre en condiciones de humo durante períodos de tiempo largo, debes usar una mascarilla N95. Para más información sobre mascarillas N95 visita: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires
​N95 Masks. What do they protect against? Dust, fumes, mists, aerosols, and smoke particulates, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, animal dander and allergens.
​Suggested Messaging: 

Las mascarillas de respiración N95 pueden filtrar partículas de menos de 0.3 micrómetros. En comparación, el ancho de un solo cabello humano es aproximadamente 60 micrómetros. Para obtener más información sobre las mascarillas N95 visita: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 Masks. What they don't protect against: the smell of smoke, the smell of gases, vapors from methane, carbon monoxide, and chemicals such as organic solvents and formaldehyde.
Suggested Messaging: 

Existen algunas limitaciones para las mascarillas N95. Es importante saber lo siguiente:  

  • No se ajustan a los niños y no se pueden adaptar para que se ajusten adecuadamente a un niño.  
  • La barba completa o en crecimiento y el bigote largo pueden impedir que las mascarillas N95 sellen correctamente.  

Para más información sobre las mascarillas N95 visita: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 masks. How do I put on an N95 mask? Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor. Place the N95 respirator on the face covering the nose and mouth. Put the buttom strap up and over top of the head, to the back of the head and below the ears. Take the upper strap and pull it up so it rests on the crown of the head. Use your hands to snug the nose piece of the respirator to the bridge of the nose and around all edges for a tight seal. Check to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.
​Suggested Messaging: 

Las mascarillas N95 no son difíciles de poner, pero es importante asegurarte de que la mascarilla esté bien sellada contra tu cara. Para más información sobre las mascarillas N95 visita: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 masks. How do you check the fit of the N95 mask? It's important that the respirator fits properly and air does not leak around the sides. If it does not fit properly, the respirator will provide little if any protection, and may offer a false sense of security.
Suggested Messaging: 

Hay varias marcas y modelos diferentes de mascarillas N95, por lo que es importante realizar una "prueba de ajuste" antes de que surja una emergencia. Para más información sobre las mascarillas N95 visita: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​N95 masks. How do I wear and store my N95 mask? Masks should not be worn for more than 8 hours and should be replaced regularly. Store respirators in a clean environment. The standard shelf life of N95 respirators is a maximum of five years from production date.
Suggested Messaging: 

Al guardar las mascarillas N95, debes protegerlas de daños, contaminación, luz del sol, temperaturas extremas y productos químicos dañinos. Las condiciones del almacenamiento también pueden afectar su vida útil, para más información: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​Protect yourself and your loved one this wildfire season
​Suggested Messaging: 

Durante un incendio forestal, la primera prioridad es protegerte a ti y proteger a tus seres queridos. Si te ordenan evacuar tu casa o el área, hazlo inmediatamente. Todo lo demás es secundario. Obtén más información en https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​Wildfire guidelines
Suggested Messaging: 

Cuando un incendio forestal amenaza tu área, sigue estas indicaciones:  

  • Pon atención a las estaciones de la radio o televisión local para obtener la información más reciente sobre incendios forestales.  
  • Prepárate para evacuar en cualquier momento. • Asegúrate de tener un kit de emergencia completo con medicinas, copias de recetas y suministros médicos.  
  • Ubica refugios cercanos, incluyendo los que aceptan mascotas. Asegúrate de traer los medicinas de tu mascota.  
  • Haz arreglos para quedarte con familiares o amigos fuera del área amenazada. Obtén más información en https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires
​What's the current air quality?
Suggested Messaging: 
irNow es una página web financiada por el gobierno federal que proporciona las condiciones actuales de incendios, avisos y pronósticos de humo, información sobre cómo los incendios pueden afectar tu salud y más. Para saber las condiciones actuales de la calidad del aire en tu área visita www.airnow.gov
​What's the current air quality?
Suggested Messaging: 
La calidad del aire en tu área es segura? Lo único que necesitas es tu código postal para proteger tu salud y obtener las condiciones actuales de calidad del aire en www.airnow.gov
​Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires. Inhaling smoke can cause eye & respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms.
Suggested Messaging: 

El humo de los incendios forestales puede causar irritación en los ojos y en el sistema respiratorio e incluso reacciones más graves. Si te encuentras en un área donde hay un incendio forestal, permanece en interiores y reduce las actividades al aire libre. Usa una mascarilla N95 si tienes que salir al aire libre. Para más información sobre cómo prepararte para los incendios forestales visita: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​If you are near a wildfire: stay indoors, reduce outdoor activity, wear an N95 mask if outdoors for long periods.
​Suggested Messaging: 

Aquellos con enfermedades respiratorias, pulmonares o cardíacas deben limitar su exposición quedándose en interiores. El aire condicionado que recircula el aire interior, puede ser útiles para reducir la entrada de humo en tu hogar. Sigue las guías locales sobre la calidad del aire y los mensajes de salud y seguridad. Para más información: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires. Inhaling smoke can cause eye & respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms.
Suggested Messaging: 

#EvacuandoporIncendios si estás en albergues debes usar mascarilla, tanto en interiores como al aire libre para protegerte del humo de los incendios forestales y de #COVID19. Los albergues tienen mascarillas N95 para aquellos afectados por los incendios. #INSERTFIRENAME (ex. #IncendioCaldor) Para más información: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires. Inhaling smoke can cause eye & respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms.
​Suggested Messaging: 

Protégete a ti y a tus seres queridos usando una mascarilla, tanto en interiores como fuera de los albergues para los evacuados por los incendios forestales. Las mascarillas N95 protegen de las partículas de humo de los incendios y todas las demás ayudan a detener la propagación de #COVID19. Los albergues te pueden dar una si la necesitas. #INSERTFIRENAME (ex. #IncendioCaldor) Para más información: https://bit.ly/cdphwildfires

​
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