The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District have issued an Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara County and Channel Islands Tuesday morning.
Air quality conditions are changing rapidly due to strong winds carrying smoke and ash from theAlisal Fire.
Residents are encouraged to be "cautious and use common sense" considering levels of smoke and particulates.
Excessive exposure to wildfire symptoms consists of: shortness of breath or trouble breathing, repeated coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, and nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.
It is suggested to make a “clean air room” to ensure safe air quality indoors.
Recommended guidelines for unhealthy air quality include:
- remaining indoors
- steering clear of outdoor activity
- closing windows, doors that could allow additional smoke inside
- staying away from car air circulation, as well as driving to prevent the build-up of smoky air
- keeping hydrated to maintain respiratory membranes moist
- if you are working outdoors to wear a N-95 mask
To stay alert to air quality conditions you can visitwww.ourair.org/todays-air-quality or
fire.airnow.gov
