Health advisory due to smoke drift from Airport Fire and more information

The Orange County Health Care Agency has issued a health advisory due to smoke drift from the Airport Fire. People in smoke-impacted areas should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity. The Health Care Agency recommends the following precautions to protect you and your loved ones from smoke-related health issues:

• Keep windows and doors in your home closed and use air conditioners on re-circulate mode if possible. This limits the intake of outdoor air and keeps your home comfortable.
• Keep your mouth and nasal passageways moist by drinking water. This helps your body filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.
• Contact your health provider if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. People who have not previously been diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions.
• Those with asthma should follow an asthma management plan, making sure to have at least a five-day supply of asthma medication on-hand.

In addition, the Sheriff's Department Emergency Operations Center (EOC) released the following information related to filling medical prescriptions during an emergency:

• Contact your local pharmacy where you typically refill prescriptions. Many pharmacies have branch locations that can refill prescribed medications in alternative locations outside the impacted area.
• If you are not able to get your usual network pharmacy to replace your prescriptions, contact your health insurance prescription drug plan, which is typically on the back of your insurance card for an extended supply during this local emergency.
• Any evacuees needing prescription medications who are unable to fill them via their health care provider or pharmacy should call the OC Public Information Hotline at 714-628-7085 for assistance.

Stay advised of fire and evacuation information at ocsheriff.gov/AirportFire. Refer to this checklist for recommendations on what to pack during an emergency.