LA County Public Health Order Due to Critical Fire Events and Windstorm Conditions
Health Order Prohibits Use of Power Air Blowers, Including Leaf Blowers, to Reduce Health Risks from Fire Ash and Smoke
The LA County Public Health Department declared a Local Health Emergency and issued a Public Health Officer Order in response to the widespread impacts of the ongoing multiple critical fire events and windstorm conditions. The fire events have caused significant health and safety risks for residents across the county.
The fires, coupled with strong winds, have severely degraded air quality by releasing hazardous smoke and particulate matter, posing immediate and long-term risks to public health. Additionally, the fires have caused widespread displacement of residents, prompted emergency evacuations from healthcare facilities, and disrupted vital health services and resources.
To help protect the health and wellbeing of residents, the use of power air blowers, including leaf blowers, is prohibited until further notice. These devices stir up ash and particulate matter into the air, further worsening air quality and increasing health risks for everyone and their pets, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations.
The order applies to all areas of Los Angeles County due to the widespread presence of ash and particulate matter in the air throughout the entire region.
Additionally, the following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from harmful effects of bad air quality:
- If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.
- Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors. Use air conditioners that recirculate air to filter out harmful particles.
- Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present. Free N95 masks are available for El Segundo residents at the City Library and Joslyn Center, during regular business hours, while supplies last.
- Avoid air conditioners that only bring in outside air and don’t recirculate. Check and replace air filters regularly. Filters labeled “MERV13” or higher are most effective for removing smoke particles. HEPA air purifiers can further reduce indoor particles.
- If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed and you don’t have an air conditioner, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from harmful air.
- Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.
- If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
- When smoke lingers, fine particles may build up indoors even if you can't see them. Masks can protect against larger particles, but most don’t block fine particles or toxic gases, which are more harmful.
- Practice safe clean-up following a fire. Follow the ash clean-up and food safety instructions at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.
The following is recommended for pets:
- Avoid leaving your pets outdoors, particularly at night. Pets should be brought into an indoor location, such as an enclosed garage or a house.
- If dogs or cats appear to be in respiratory distress, they should be taken to an animal hospital immediately. Symptoms of respiratory distress for dogs and cats include coughing or gagging, difficulty breathing, including open mouth or increased noise when breathing (asthma like symptoms) . Symptoms for cats are less noticeable.
- Additional information can be found here: Wildfire smoke and animals | American Veterinary Medical Association
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