WITH AIR QUALITY STILL A CONCERN, MONITOR CONDITIONS FOR WHEN TO STAY INDOORS
Regional wildfires underscore the importance of preparedness

Berkeley, California (Friday, August 21, 2020) - With air quality expected to worsen over the weekend, everyone should stay inside with windows and doors closed. Hills residents should take this time to review evacuation plans and pack or refresh go-bags.

Although air quality levels are currently rated "moderate" at the Berkeley air monitor in Aquatic Park, conditions can change quickly. Smoke from multiple fires blazing throughout the region will continue to affect Berkeley in the days ahead.

Use an airnow.gov interactive map, which is updated hourly, to check air quality status throughout the day. The City's air quality webpage provides information on how to understand Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Stay inside when air quality is poor

Everyone can protect their health by reducing physical activity and staying inside with doors and windows closed. You should also:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• Set air conditioning units to re-circulate so you don't bring outside air in.
• Don't smoke, burn candles, or use incense.
• Don't use gas, propane, or wood burning stoves. Avoid frying or broiling meat.
• Avoid vacuuming.

Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms

Contact your health care provider if you experience the following symptoms:

• Repeated coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Palpitations
• Nausea or unusual fatigue
• lightheadedness

Those at higher risk during poor air quality should take particular care. This includes anyone with respiratory or cardiac issues,  children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

Do not use N-95s

Do not use an N-95s respirator unless you have been specifically instructed by a medical professional to do so and have been properly fitted.

N-95 respirators are not meant for everyone and can be dangerous for certain people. There is currently a shortage of N-95s due to COVID-19, which means that it is especially important to reserve the supply for the situations they are designed for, including healthcare providers and emergency workers in active fire zones.

Fire weather watch is a reminder to prepare

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for the entire San Francisco Bay Area for Sunday through Tuesday. Lightning from scattered thunderstorms is expected to spark new fires across the region.

Regional fires are a stark reminder of the need to prepare for disasters, especially for residents in the Berkeley hills. In a fire, you could have only moments to leave - so being prepared is crucial.

• Sign up for AC Alert: AC Alert is the City's emergency notification service. Make sure everyone in your home is registered so we can contact you in an emergency.
• Review evacuation routes: Plan at least two routes away from your neighborhood by foot, and two routes by car. During an evacuation you may not be able to drive.
• Pack or refresh your go-bag. Everyone in your household should have a " go bag" with the items you would need to safely evacuate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this includes face coverings and hand sanitizer. If you have a go bag already, check it and replace any expired items, like food or batteries.
• Talk to your household about evacuation plans. Make sure everyone knows what to do in a fire. See cityofberkeley.info/wildfire for information on preparing for an evacuation and a printable evacuation checklist.

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