PRECAUTIONS URGED DURING POOR AIR QUALITY AND HOT WEATHER

With smoky conditions and temperatures approaching triple digits
for the rest of the week, the Pasadena Fire Department and
Pasadena Public Health Department remind everyone to take care of
themselves, their children and their pets.

“Due to the Morris Fire near Azusa and resulting poor air
quality in Pasadena, elderly residents and other sensitive
individuals, including adults and children with heart disease,
emphysema, asthma, or other lung diseases, should stay indoors as
much as possible,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, Pasadena public
health officer. “As a precaution, in areas of visible smoke
or an odor of smoke, all individuals are urged to avoid
unnecessary outdoor activities.”

Schools that are in session should suspend all outdoor physical
activities including physical education and after-school sports
until conditions improve.

Non-school related sports organizations for children (such as
Little League) and adults are advised to cancel outdoor practices
in areas where there is visible smoke, soot or ash, or where
there is an odor of smoke. This also applies to other
recreational outdoor activities such as hikes and picnics.

Air conditioners in vehicles should be set on recycle or
recirculate mode to avoid drawing in smoky air.

Closing up a home by shutting windows and doors can give
protection from smoke. This is recommended only if the home has
air conditioning designed by default to recirculate indoor air;
otherwise fans are recommended.

The air quality, combined with excessive heat, can cause heat
stroke, exhaustion, heat cramps and dehydration. Insufficient
water or salt intake may lead to a deficiency in the production
of sweat, which may cause heat exhaustion. Symptoms include
dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, pale and clammy skin,
rapid and weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing, muscle cramps
and intense thirst. Anyone with these symptoms should be removed
to a cooler, shaded location and given fluids such as water or
sports drinks.

“Anyone experiencing diminished judgment, disorientation,
pale and clammy skin, rapid and weak pulse and/or fast and
shallow breathing should receive immediate attention,” said
Fire Chief Dennis Downs.

There are several ways to manage the heat:

* Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
* Drink fluids often; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
* Offer assistance to shut-ins in your neighborhood and check on
them frequently during hot weather.
* During peak heat hours, stay in an air-conditioned area. If
you don’t have access to air conditioning in your home, visit
public facilities such as shopping malls, community centers and
libraries to stay cool or find a list of cooling stations at
www.ladcss.org <http://www.ladcss.org/> .
* Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun. Wear a hat, preferably
with a wide brim, when out in the sunlight.
* Use the buddy system: Check in regularly with those you know
who are senior citizens, ill or with compromised immune systems
to make sure they are staying cool and drinking fluids.
* Never leave children, seniors or pets unattended in closed cars
or other vehicles.