The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, in conjunction with Sacramento County Public Health, is advising residents to take precautions if they see or smell wildfire smoke.
Smoke from wildfires most likely will affect Sacramento County for the next couple of days and may last longer depending on the strength and direction of the winds and the fire status. Due to the unpredictable nature of wildfire smoke, particulate matter (PM) pollution levels can be elevated in one area, but not another.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful. If smoke is seen or smelled, take the following actions:
- Minimize outdoor activities, even if you’re healthy
- Children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions should be particularly careful to avoid exposure
- Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible
- Use your air conditioner set to re-circulating indoor air mode and if needed replace your air filters with a high efficiency HEPA air filters that work with your air conditioner.
- Those with asthma should follow their asthma management plan
- Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms you believe to be caused by smoke
- Those with heart disease should especially limit their smoke exposure since PM can cause heart attacks
Cleaner, filtered air may be found at a shopping mall, library or other public indoor space. Call 2-1-1, or visit
https://www.211sacramento.org/211/, to find a cleaner air space.
Check out additional information about local air quality:
Sacramento region’s
Spare The Air website – Daily forecast, current conditions, Spare The Air ozone alerts and wildfire smoke 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.
