The County of San Benito Public Health Department is advising residents to take precautions due to the visible smoke in the air.
The current situation is a result of unhealthy air quality from the wildfires in the North Bay and is causing unprecedented levels of air pollution throughout the Central Coast.
Due to active fire areas and changing wind patterns, air quality could be impacted for days.
It is imperative that San Benito County residents protect their health. If residents see or smell smoke in their area, they should avoid outdoor activity including exercise. It is recommended that parents and school administrators check air quality readings before allowing children to practice outdoor sports while air quality is unhealthy.
Individuals most at risk for illness due to smoke in the air include children, seniors and those with respiratory problems. These individuals should limit their exposure to smoky air by staying indoors as much as possible. Windows and doors should be kept closed to prevent indoor air from becoming dirty.
If possible, stay indoors with windows and doors closed and air conditioning units on recirculate to avoid drawing outside air into buildings. Children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, emphysema and heart disease are most impacted. Schools should limit outdoor play and recess periods to when the air is clear.
Because of the serious air quality conditions we are asking residents to avoid adding additional air pollution activities such as wood burning, lawn mowing, leaf blowing, driving and barbecuing.
For real-time air quality readings, check the following sites: https://go.usa.gov/xnxhb or https://mbard.org/air-quality or https://www.cdc.gov/features/wildfires
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