WIND & FIRE ASH: Bad weather and heavy winds can carry ash from the fires into the air. Ash in the air can be bad for your health. Breathing in ash can bother your nose, throat and lungs and may make you cough. It could also be bad on your skin.
SKIN & EYES: During windy weather when ash is in the air, slow down or stop doing things that might cause you to breath in ash. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants to stop getting ash on your skin. If you get ash on your skin, wash it off right away. Use things like sun glasses or goggles, and wear glasses instead of contact lenses to keep ash out of your eyes.
MASKS: Dust masks may provide some protection for breathing. A masked called the N-95 or P- 100 that covers the nose and mouth is best for stopping ash from getting in your mouth or lungs. Simple surgical or dust masks may not help very much. If you are planning to buy a dust mask, do the following:
 Ask for the NIOSH approved N-95 or P-100 mask.
 Make sure the mask fits – covering your nose and mouth tightly.
In a Protect Yourself Safety:
* Wear seat belt or helmet.
* Wear safety equipment.
* Don’t drink alcohol and drive.
* Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
* Lift with your legs, not your back. Health:
* Use bug repellent to avoid insects.
* Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater and a hat to protect against skin cancer.
* Practice safe sex to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
* Brush and floss daily.
* Get adequate rest.
* Know what your health insurance covers.
* Use both prescribed and over-the- counter medications as directed.
* Keep vaccinations up-to-date.
* Establish a partnership with your healthcare provider.
* Protect against carpal tunnel syndrome and posture problems at the computer or in repetitive tasks.
* Scrub hands often with soap and water. Then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if it is available.
* Temporarily avoid sugar and sweet foods including fruit – these foods can decrease are immune system.
