N-95 Masks Available in Goleta

Source: City of Goleta

Thanks to Direct Relief International and with assistance from the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, the City of Goleta is providing N-95 masks for community members who need/want them due to air quality conditions related to the Maria Fire burning in Ventura County. The Santa Barbara County Public Health and Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Alert today, November 1, 2019, through the weekend, or until conditions improve. 

N-95 Masks are available for pick up at the following locations during the specified times on a first-come, first-served basis:

Goleta Library located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue

• Today/Friday until 5:30 p.m. 
• Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 pm.
• Sunday 1:00 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Goleta Valley Community Center located at 5679 Hollister Avenue  (small masks are available only at this location)

• Today/Friday until 6 p.m.
• Saturday 8:00 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 9 p.m.

If needed, the masks will also be available on Monday at above locations and at Goleta City Hall located at 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B.

If you are using the masks, the Air Pollution Quality Control District and Santa Barbara County Public Health encourage you to use them correctly.  These masks can reduce smoke exposure outdoors by up to 95 percent but only if used correctly.  Masks must fit snugly around the nose and chin.  For that reason they are not suitable for people with facial hair or children.  People with heart and lung conditions should talk to their doctor before using an N-95 mask as the mask can restrict airflow.  N-95 masks should not be used to extend time outdoors beyond what is necessary.

Health officials also recommend that people with heart and lung condtions, older adults, pregnant women and children limit their time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air.

Symptoms of smoke exposure include, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, nausea and unusual fatigue or lightheadedness. 

For current conditions and forecasts, visit www.OurAir.org/todays-air-quality