Stay Safe in the Smoke! | Carson Tahoe Health

 

Regular air quality updates for our region can be found at nvair.ndep.nv.gov.

With several summer fires roaring through our region and air quality levels reaching a “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” smoke level, it’s important to be mindful of our surroundings and make small adjustments to our daily routine to stay safe.

Carson Tahoe Health recommends everyone start to consider the following precautions in times of moderate or worse levels:

  • Stay inside
  • Refrain from exercising outdoors
  • Keep hydrated to suppress a cough and help prevent smoky air from settling in lungs
  • Limit use of vacuums or gas stoves
  • Keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning if possible to help filter air throughout the house
  • When driving your car in smoky areas, keep your windows and vents closed, make sure it’s set to re-circulate so you’re not bringing in outside

Seek emergency care if: 

  • You are having trouble breathing or can’t say more than four words without having to stop and take a breath
  • You experience excessive sweating
  • Your lips are turning blue 
  • You are confused or lose consciousness

Air Quality Index Table

Source: American Lung Association

image via