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Wildfire Safety

Millions of people living in California are impacted by wildfires and wildfire smoke every year. During a wildfire event, always protect yourself and your loved ones. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately.

Wildfire smoke contains many air pollutants that can trigger respiratory (lung) problems and asthma. Those most at risk include older adults, pregnant women, children, first responders and people with chronic respiratory and heart conditions.

The messages below include tips, such as staying indoors 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.ā€‹ā€‹

CDPH Material Co-brand DisclaimerLocal health jurisdictions (LHJs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) may co-brand materials created by CDPH (those in CDPH Office of Communiā€‹cations Toolkā€‹itsā€‹) by adding their agency logo next to or near the CDPH logo. Be sure there is ample space between the two logos. Materials may not be altered or edited in any other way, including removal or adjustment of the CDPH logo.ā€‹

ā€‹Sociaā€‹ā€‹ā€‹l Media

To use these images, click on each one to enlarge the image, then right click and ā€œsave as.ā€ā€‹

Wildfire Smoke Inhalation & Air Quality

Who is at higher risk of getting sick from wildfire smoke?
People with chronic conditions like: asthma, COPD, diabetes, Kidney disease, heart disease Pregnant people, children, older adults, first responders

Suggested Messaging: ā€‹

Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people are at higher risk. Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants, especially during and after a wildfire:
  • Check the air quality and sign up for updates 
  • If the air quality is bad, stay inside as much as possible and close all windows, doors and vents
  • Change settings on your A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier 
  • If you have to go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask. 
Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspxā€‹

X:
Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people have a higher risk. Take precautions:
  • Monitor air quality
  • Close windows, doors & vents
  • Set A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier
  • Wear an N95 or P100 if you must go outside
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx
ā€‹Stay indoors, sign up for updates, check air quality, run a/c or air purifierā€‹

Suggested Messaging: ā€‹

Protect yourself and your loved ones from wildfire smoke and ash, which can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants:
  • Check the air quality and sign up for updates 
  • If the air quality is bad, stay inside as much as possible and close all windows, doors and vents
  • Change settings on your A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier 
Learn more ways to protect yourself from smoke and ash during wildfires: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx
ā€‹

X:
Wildfires release harmful smoke & ash into the air. Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants during and after a wildfire:
  • Monitor air quality
  • Close windows, doors & vents
  • Set A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx
ā€‹Smoke and ash from wildfires can affect breathing.ā€‹

Suggested Messaging:

Smoke and ash from wildfires can affect how you breathe, especially for those with breathing problems. If you or anyone in your family has asthma or another lung disease, keep at least a 7-day supply of medication on hand and call a health care provider if nearby wildfires worsen breathing issues.  

X:
If you or a family member has asthma or another lung disease, keep at least a 7-day supply of medication on hand and call a health care provider if nearby wildfires worsen breathing issues.  
Avoid breathing smoke from wildfires
Eye and respiratory irritation, reduced lung function
Bronchitis, worsening asthma symptoms

Suggested Messaging:

Wildfire smoke and ash can irritate your eyes and make it hard to breathe. If you are near a wildfire or wildfire smoke, stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity. Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outdoors. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx
ā€‹What's the current air quality?

Suggested Messaging:  

ā€‹Sā€‹moke from wildfires can cause eye and respiratory (lung) issues. Use an N95 or P100 mask to filter out pollutants and support your breathing in areas with poor air quality. Find your locationā€™s current air quality at www.airnow.govā€‹ and learn how to protect your health from wildfire smoke at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

ā€‹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, use an N95 respirator mask. For more information on masks go to: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

ā€‹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 masks can filter out pollutants, including smoke from wildfires, and make breathing safer. For more information on masks and wildfire safety go to: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

Wildfire Safety & Preparedness  

ā€‹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: ā€‹https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspxā€‹

ā€‹Wildfire guidelines

Suggested Messaging:   

When a wildfire is threatening your area, be sure to:

  • Monitor local area radio or television stations for the latest wildfire information.   
  • Be prepared to evacuate on a momentā€™s notice.   
  • Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.   
  • Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area or locate nearby shelters.  
Wildfire prearedness
perople, pets, prescriptions, PC
passport, phone, pastic, picturesā€‹

Suggested Messaging:ā€‹  

If youā€™re ordered to evacuate, always do so immediately! The ā€œPs of Preparednessā€ and having a plan can help you get ready if an evacuation order comes. Hereā€™s a list of things to remember when preparing for a wildfire evacuation:   
  • People (help children, older adults and people with disabilities) 
  • Pets   
  • Papers (important documents)   
  • Phones   
  • Prescriptions (and glasses) 
  • Pictures  
  • PCs (for the information stored)   
  • Plastic (credit cards and cash)  
Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspxā€‹

X:
If youā€™re ordered to evacuate, do so immediately! The ā€œPs of Preparednessā€ can help you remember what to gather if a wildfire threatens your area.
Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

ā€‹Skip to main content

Suggested Messaging: 

Wildfire season is hereā€”are you ready? Plan ahead so you can react quickly if needed. Be ready to go with: 

  • 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-.aspxā€‹

Spanish

Wildfire Smoke Inhalation & Air Quality

ā€‹ā€‹To use these images, click on each one to enlarge the image, then right click and "save as."

Protege a tus amigos y familiares del humo de los incendios forestalesā€‹

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

ProtĆ©gete y protege a tus seres queridos del humo de los incendios forestales. Los que corren mayor riesgo son los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas y aquellas con condiciones respiratorias y cardĆ­acas crĆ³nicas. Los niƱos tambiĆ©n corren un mayor riesgo ya que respiran mĆ”s aire por libra de peso corporal que los adultos, y el humo de los incendios forestales puede irritar sus pulmones aĆŗn en desarrollo. 

ObtĆ©n mĆ”s informaciĆ³n sobre las precauciones que puedes tomar para protegā€‹er a tu familia del humo y las cenizas de los incendios forestales en: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

ā€‹ QUƉDATE ADENTRO   InscrĆ­bete para recibir notificaciones

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

Los incendios forestales pueden producir cenizas en el aire, lo que puede causar tos persistente, secreciĆ³n nasal, flema, sibilancias y dificultad para respirar. Toma medidas para reducir los contaminantes del aire en tu hogar. 

  • QuĆ©date adentro tanto como sea posible y cierra todas las ventanas, puertas y rejillas de ventilaciĆ³n. 
  • Controla la calidad del aire y regĆ­strate para recibir notificaciones.  
  • Cambia la configuraciĆ³n de tu unidad de aire acondicionado a recircular, cierra las entradas de aire exteriores y / o prende un purificador de aire. 

Si necesitas salir, usa una mascarilla N95, KN95 o KF94. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s informaciĆ³n sobre cĆ³mo puedes 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 

ā€‹El HUMO de los incendios forestales puede afectar la respiraciĆ³n.

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

El humo de los incendios forestales puede afectar la forma en que respiras, especialmente a aquellos con problemas respiratorios. Si tĆŗ o tu hijo tienen asma u otra enfermedad pulmonar, ten a mano un suministro de medicamentos para siete dĆ­as y llama a un proveedor de atenciĆ³n mĆ©dica si los incendios forestales cercanos empeoran los problemas respiratorios. https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/chronic-conditions.htm#asthma 

ā€‹ Evita respirar el humo de los incendios forestales ā€‹

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

El humo de los incendios forestales puede causar irritaciĆ³n ocular y respiratoria e incluso reacciones mĆ”s graves. Si te encuentras en un Ć”rea donde hay un incendio forestal, quĆ©date adentro y reduce tus actividades al aire libre. Usa una mascarilla N95 (o KN95 o KF94) si tienes que salir al aire libre. Para obtener mĆ”s informaciĆ³n sobre cĆ³mo prepararte para los incendios forestales visita: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx  

ā€‹ĀæCuĆ”l es la calidad actual del aire?

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

El humo de los incendios forestales puede causar problemas oculares y respiratorios (pulmones) e incluso reacciones mĆ”s graves. Usa una mascarilla N95 (o KN95 o KF94) para filtrar los contaminantes y ayudar con la respiraciĆ³n en Ć”reas con mala calidad de aire. Revisa la calidad de aire actual de tu Ć”rea  en www.airnow.gov y aprende a proteger tu salud del humo de los incendios forestales en: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx 

ā€‹Mascarillas N95 ĀæQuĆ© son & quĆ© sirven?

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

Si estĆ”s cerca de un incendio forestal, la mejor manera de evitar la inhalaciĆ³n de humo es permanecer adentro. Si tienes que salir al aire libre en condiciones de humo, usa una mascarilla respiratoria N95 o KN95 o KF94. Para obtener mĆ”s informaciĆ³n sobre mascarillas visita: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

ā€‹Mascarillas N95 ĀæContra quĆ© protegen?

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

Las mascarillas N95 (asĆ­ como las K95 y KN94) pueden filtrar los contaminantes, incluyendo el humo de los incendios forestales y proteger la respiraciĆ³n. Para obtener mĆ”s informaciĆ³n sobre mascarillas y seguridad contra incendios forestales, visita: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx ā€‹

Wildfire Safety & Preparednessā€‹ā€‹
ProtƩgete

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

Ā”Durante un incendio forestal, la prioridad es protegerte y proteger a tus seres queridos! Si se te ordena evacuar tu hogar o el Ć”rea, hazlo de inmediato. Todo lo demĆ”s es secundario. ObtĆ©n mĆ”s informaciĆ³n en https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

ā€‹A PARA INCENDIOS FORESTALES

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

Cuando un incendio forestal amenaza tu Ć”rea, sigue estas pautas:  

  • Presta atenciĆ³n a la radio o televisiĆ³n local para obtener la informaciĆ³n mĆ”s reciente sobre incendios forestales. 
  • PrepĆ”rate para evacuar en cualquier momento. 
  • AsegĆŗrate de tener un kit de emergencia, completo con medicamentos, copias de recetas y suministros mĆ©dicos. 
  • Ubica refugios cercanos, incluyendo los que aceptan mascotas. AsegĆŗrate de incluir los medicamentos de tu mascota. 
  • Haz arreglos para quedarte con familiares o amigos fuera del Ć”rea amenazada.  

ObtĆ©n mĆ”s informaciĆ³n en https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

ā€‹La temporada de incendios forestales estĆ” aquĆ­.

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

La temporada de incendios forestales estĆ” aquĆ­, ĀæestĆ”s listo? Haz planes con anticipaciĆ³n para que puedas reaccionar rĆ”pidamente si es necesario. PrepĆ”rate con: 

  • Kit de emergencia de 3 dĆ­as con artĆ­culos esenciales (alimentos, agua, registros, medicamentos) para cada miembro de la familia y mascotas 
  • Mascarillas N95 
  • Planes de evacuaciĆ³n 

ObtĆ©n informaciĆ³n sobre las mejores maneras de prepararte para los incendios forestales en https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 

ā€‹PERSONAS ā€“ Ayuda a niƱos, adultos mayores y personas con

Suggested Messaging in Spanish

Si te ordenan evacuar, Ā”hazlo de inmediato! Esta lista puede ayudarte a prepararte si te llega una orden de evacuaciĆ³n:   

  • Personas (ayuda a niƱos, adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades) 
  • Mascotas 
  • Papeles (documentos importantes) 
  • TelĆ©fonos  
  • Recetas (y lentes) 
  • Fotos 
  • Computadoras (por la informaciĆ³n que contienen) 
  • PlĆ”stico (tarjetas de crĆ©dito y efectivo) 

ObtĆ©n mĆ”s informaciĆ³n en https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx 





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