CITY OF JACKSONVILLE IS CLOSELY MONITORING AIR QUALITY IMPACTED BY WILDFIRES IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES
Wildfires burning in surrounding counties are contributing smoke that is elevating particulate concentrations in the air. Elevated particulate levels are forecast for the next couple of days and may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Residents from Sensitive Groups Should Take Extra Precaution
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, asthma or respiratory conditions, adults over 65, children and teenagers, pregnant women, and outdoor workers.
- Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. It’s OK to be active outdoors but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Keep windows and doors closed if smoke becomes too heavy.
- People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy.
- People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.
For the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) and more information about air quality, see the EPA’s AirNow site at AirNow.gov.
While there are no active wildfires within Duval County at this time, residents may notice periods of smoke depending on wind and weather conditions that can shift quickly. Emergency management officials are actively monitoring conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do when wildfire smoke comes into my area?
When wildfires burn near you, smoke can reach your community. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other material. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but people with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease, or who are pregnant, children, and first responders are especially at risk.
Breathing in smoke can affect you right away, causing:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Stinging eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
How can I protect myself against smoke and ash before, during, and after a wildfire?
- Prioritize staying indoors with windows and doors closed.
- Setting air conditioning to recirculate mode.
- Using portable HEPA air cleaners.
- If you must go outside, wear a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator mask to filter fine particles, as cloth or surgical masks do not provide adequate protection.
What emergency supplies should I gather?
- A respirator filters out smoke or ash before you can breathe it in. Children ages 2 years and older can wear respirators and masks. However, NIOSH Approved respirators (N95) do not come in suitable sizes for very young children (under 2 years).
- Remember the needs of children; individuals with medical conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease; or who are pregnant.
How do I keep wildfire smoke outside?
- Choose a room you can close off from outside air.
- Set up a portable air cleaner or a filter to keep the air in this room cleaner even when it’s smoky outdoors or in the rest of your home.
- Make a plan to keep wildfire smoke out of schools or commercial buildings.
How do I track wildfires near me and remain JaxReady?
- AirNow’s “Fire and Smoke Map” has a map of fires throughout North America.
- NOAA’s “Fire weather outlook” page maps fire watches and warnings.
- Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for emergency alerts.