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TALLAHASSEE - Due to the recent wildfires affecting the state, the
Florida Department
of Health (DOH) is providing health recommendations to
citizens impacted
by the wildfire smoke.
Smoke is a respiratory irritant, and can cause a
scratchy throat, and/or
irritated eyes and nose. Smoke may also worsen
conditions such as
asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions.
There are many steps you can take to protect yourself
and your family
from the health effects of smoke:
- Be your own health judge. If you can see smoke
outside, or you feel the effects of the smoke, avoid prolonged outdoor
activities. It is especially important to limit time spent outdoors for
children and persons with existing medical conditions.
- Stay indoors whenever possible. Run your air
conditioner with a clean filter and the fresh air intake closed, to prevent
additional smoke from entering your home. If you don't have an air
conditioner and are a comfortable temperature inside with the
windows closed, stay inside. If your home is too warm, seek alternative
shelter.
- Keep particle levels inside and around your home
lower by not burning outdoor yard waste, smoking tobacco, or using anything
that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and candles.
- Delay vacuuming when possible, as vacuuming stirs
up particles already inside your home.
- Follow your doctor’s advice about taking your
medications and adhere to your asthma management plan if you have asthma or
other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
- Stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings
related to smoke. Pay attention to local air quality reports. For more
information on the air quality index and recommendations: please visit:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/air/airquality.htm.
For further information, please contact your local
county health
department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us
 or
www.FloridaDisaster.org
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