Fires: Be Safe!

Hi guys. I hope everyone is safe. After the Thousand Oaks tragedy on 11-07-2018 that claimed 12 lives plus that of the shooter himself I think its become more and more obvious to we survivors that life is sacred and what really counts. When evacuating my house this weekend I wasn't thinking of my expensive "treasures" but it was more crucial that I was with my family and had my medical equipment that is necessary to keep my lungs as strong as can be. Things are just that... things. Sure they would have been missed if a fire had hit our house but unlike people they can be replaced.

Let us count our blessings and keep Thousand Oaks and the victims of the shooting and the fires in our prayers.

As for the fires, the smoke and ash left behind is a major health concern for everyone from the healthy to those of us with lung and heart problems. Thousand Oaks is projected today and tomorrow as having moderate air quality (90) with an advisory that "unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion."

If you see and/or smell smoke, it is recommended that you:

• Remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter;
• Avoid vigorous physical activity;
• Run your air conditioner if you have one. Make sure it has a clean filter and that it is recirculating the indoor air to prevent bringing additional smoke inside;
• Avoid using a whole-house fan or a swamp cooler with an outside air intake;
• Avoid using indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces and candles.

Children and people who have air quality-sensitive conditions, such as heart disease, asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, should follow the recommendations and stay indoors as much as possible, even in areas where smoke, soot or ash cannot be seen or there is no smell of smoke, according to officials.

And don't forget that Valley Fever is a very real threat to humans AND animals.

Stay Safe! x