Press Release
MAY 9th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX - 561-355-3035
|
PALM
BEACH COUNTY, FL – The
Palm Beach County Health
Department has been advised
that the weekend prevailing
winds will shift to the
southwest and west which
will send smoke from
wildfires on the rim of Lake
Okeechobee east toward the
coast.
People with respiratory and heart disease, the elderly and
children, are most likely to
be adversely affected and
should limit their outdoor
exposure if they see or
smell smoke in their area.
Persons sensitive to smoke
should avoid vigorous
outdoor activities; and all
should remain aware of air
conditions and take
precautions if they
experience irritants.
Smoke is a respiratory irritant, and can cause scratchy
throat, irritated eyes, nose
and worsen conditions such
as asthma and other chronic
respiratory or lung
conditions.
Stay indoors and run your air conditioner, if you have one.
Keep the fresh air intake
closed and the filter clean
to prevent bringing
additional smoke inside. For
best results, run the air
conditioning with
recirculated air.
Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside
with the windows closed may
be dangerous in extremely
hot weather. In these cases,
seek alternative shelter.
Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are
high, try to avoid using
anything that burns, such as
wood fireplaces, gas logs,
gas stoves - and even
candles! Don't vacuum. That
stirs up particles already
inside your home. And don't
smoke tobacco.
Follow your doctor’s advice about taking your
medicines and following your
asthma management plan if
you have asthma or other
lung disease. Call your
doctor if your symptoms
worsen.
For additional information contact the Health Department at
561-355-3070 or for the
Air Quality Index
561-355-3962.
<<
Back to Press
|
