The Ocean County Health Department is urging caution to residents living in areas impacted by the southern Ocean County wildfire, noting that those with respiratory conditions should stay indoors to avoid breathing the smoky air.
The health department suggests checking outdoor quality in your area at www.airnow.gov, a site created by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and its partners to give updates about local air quality. Many cell phone weather applications also include air quality information.
The health department gave the following advice to those living in the area affected by what the state forest fire service has called the Jones Road Wildfire:
- Those with respiratory issues like asthma are advised to close windows and doors and turn on air conditioning to prevent smoke from entering your home. Use air filters or masks to help filter the air you are breathing.
- Bring pets inside. Animals can experience respiratory distress from wildfire smoke, just like humans.
- Do not drive in smoke-filled areas. Visibility can drop quickly, making conditions dangerous. If you must drive, keep windows up and set your car’s air circulation to “recirculate” to prevent smoke from entering your vehicle.
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Smoke from brush and wildfires is a mixture of small particles and gases, such as carbon monoxide. The primary health concern is the small particles in the smoke, according to the health department, because they can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make it difficult to breathe and make you cough and wheeze.
People at higher risk, including children, the elderly, those with respiratory or heart conditions, and people with compromised immune systems, may experience more severe effects such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and/or chest pain.
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Jean Mikle covers Toms River, Seaside Heights and several other Ocean County towns. She’s also passionate about the Shore’s storied music scene. Contact her: @jeanmikle, [email protected].
