~ RECOMMENDED INFO LINKS

Be Inform!

Be prepared and ready by keeping the eye on the latest news!

---> San Diego Union Tribune Have a Continuous coverage of San Diego's Wildfires.

American Red Cross www.sdarc.org

The county said it would post fire updates at www.sdcountyemergency.com.

Residents should call 211 for all non-emergency calls related to the fire

San Diego Community Access 619-570-1070 with information in English ans Spanish.

CBS News www.nbcsandiego.com

Be Prepared to Evacuate! Be Ready!

FEMA Advice on Evacuation Plans- When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations. Continued

AIR QUALITY

County APCD Forecast - The San Diego Air Pollution Control District air quality forecast on Sunday, Oct. 21, was from Moderate to Unhealthful air pollution throughout the day. Due to the severe fires in San Diego County, APCD communication with its monitoring sites has been intermittent and incomplete. For the sake of safety and public health, APCD is assuming that all members of the public are breathing air that is unhealthful due to particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, also known as PM2.5 For the public, the APCD has recorded 24-hour message about air quality levels at 858-650-4777 and for more information and the quality of air up date visit: http://www.sdapcd.org

Resources for Lung Diseases information

The American Lung Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties is your community resource for lung disease prevention, research & education. During regular business hours call 1-800-LUNG-USA . For more information about air pollution , what you can do about it and online information go to http://www.lungsandiego.org

County of San Diego in an Emergency! This info is available in SPANISH

...Advisory to people with chronic lung or heart conditions

....“If you have respiratory problems (including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and lung cancer) or a heart ailment, extra precautions are necessary in light of blowing smoke from wildfires. Your lungs are more likely to be sensitive to low doses of certain chemical or pollutants. Anticipate a flare up of your condition, and be sure to have a sufficient supply of medications on hand. Stay inside your home and remain calm. Try not to participate in activities that cause shortness of breath.

...Here are some other tips:

• Run the air conditioner (use the “recirculation” setting) and/or use your indoor air filter system. Although the call is out to conserve electricity, those in risk groups need clean air.
• Do not hesitate to consult with your doctor if problems develop; you have priority over those without lung conditions.
You may need to take extra medication as prescribed. Follow your asthma action plan or your doctor’s instructions to increase medication dosage or add new medication if symptoms worsen. If you have asthma and have been prescribed a controller medication, but have not been consistent with it, this is the time to be regular and consistent.
• If after taking medications symptoms persist, call your doctor. If you do not have instructions about what medications to take and you are having increased breathing difficulty, call your doctor.
• If you have a peak flow meter, use it as prescribed Peak flow meters can provide valuable ongoing information about the status of your breathing.
• If you are using supplemental oxygen, do not alter your intake without a doctor’s instruction. Stay calm and concentrate on exhaling slowly.
In general, watch your breathing, take your medications, drink plenty of water (unless on fluid restriction), and follow your doctor’s instructions.

...Symptoms to watch for:

.· Wheezing
· Shortness of breath
· Difficulty taking a full breath
· Chest heaviness
· Lightheadedness
· Dizziness

Note: Symptoms can come one or two days after exposure. Small soot particles will remain suspended in the air for up to 7 days after the fire is out.

You should feel better after taking your medications as prescribed. However, if you are still having difficulty breathing, call your doctor or a local community clinic or urgent care center.

If the symptoms above are severe or they are not relieved within 30 minutes after taking medications go to an emergency room.

Danger signs/symptoms which indicate breathing difficulties that require an immediate visit to a hospital emergency room:

o Gray or blue lips and nail beds of the fingers or toes
o Gasping or panting for breath
Severe headache (like a migraine) that is not relieved with aspirin or acetaminophen
o Severe pain in the chest, can't take a deep breath
o Pain or cramps in the pit of the stomach that won't go away.
o Changes in speech, can't finish a sentence without losing one's breath
o Changes in vision, blurred vision

Note: It’s natural to experience watery eyes, stuffy or drippy nose, even a cough. Those are not emergencies, if you are a normally healthy adult. Treat with over-the-counter decongestants, cough medicine, nasal spray, or saline.

On the other hand, if people with lung disease are experiencing these symptoms, medical attention could be necessary.

...Keeping it cleaner indoors

TheDon’t smoke
Don’t use spray products – use solid type air fresheners and avoid hairspray
Don’t use strong chemical cleaning products
Dust with damp cloths
If needed, run air conditioning with filter

...Sensible Cleanup Precautions.

....“Those with lung disease should not be involved in the clean up process at all. For those not in risk groups:
• Hose it down, don’t blow it around
• Wear a dust mask during the clean up
• Change filters on furnaces, air conditioner, automobile
• Consider investing in a high-quality air filter

Who is most at risk?

• Children (they breathe more often, so exposure is heavier)
• Seniors
• Pregnant women
And People with…
• Heart Disease (lack of oxygen makes the heart work harder)
• Lung diseases (asthma, COPD (i.e., chronic bronchitis, emphysema, etc.)

The American Lung Association of California is your community resource for lung disease prevention, research, and education. During regular business hours call 1-800-LUNG-USA for more information.

Salud+HealthInfo is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family's physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself. Salud+Health Info is published and distributed free of charge by Info Option Network (ION) Publishing Company. Copyright © 2001-2006 Info Option Network

About Us | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Us