Edhat Staff
(Photo: Direct Relief)
Update by the Public Health Department
December 20, 2017
Santa Barbara County residents should keep their N-95 masks on hand as air quality may continue to be affected by the Thomas Fire smoke or ash. Ash may continue to be blown into the air during periods of high winds during the next weeks or months. Residents should also protect themselves by using an N-95 mask while cleaning up ash.
The general public and those with health conditions affected by air quality do not need to wear an N-95 mask if the air quality index is “good”. The public and especially those with health conditions affected by smoke or ash are urged to continue to monitor air quality at www.ourair.org
N-95 masks are available for purchase locally or online and are available at no charge at the following sites December 18-23rd:
|
Site |
Location |
Distribution Days |
|
Goleta Valley Community Center |
5679 Hollister Avenue Goleta |
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, December 23rd 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. |
|
Goleta City Hall |
130 Cremona Drive Goleta |
Monday –Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. No Friday distribution |
|
Santa Barbara Public Library |
40 Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara |
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
|
Carpinteria Library |
5141 Carpinteria Ave Carpinteria |
Monday 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
|
Buellton CVS |
218 East Hwy 246, Buellton |
Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (normal store hours) |
The holiday distribution schedule for December 23 – January 3 is shown below:
|
Site |
Location |
Distribution Days |
|
Goleta Valley Community Center |
5679 Hollister Avenue Goleta |
Tuesday, December 26 – Sunday December 31, 10:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed December 24 – December 25 and January 1 |
|
Buellton CVS |
218 East Hwy 246, Buellton |
Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (normal store hours) EXCEPT Monday, December 25 – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
Over 300,000 N-95 masks have been distributed to communities in Santa Barbara County affected by unhealthy levels of smoke from the Thomas Fire. Mask distribution continues to be a collaborative effort of Direct Relief, the Santa Barbara Medical Reserve Corps, area Cities and CERT volunteers, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, and libraries.
Remember, N-95 masks require a tight seal to be effective. As a result, the available adult sized masks will provide only limited protection for most children. N-95 masks when fitted properly provide some protection from the fine particles in smoke. Ordinary dust masks and surgical masks do not provide this protection. Individuals with heart and lung conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using an N-95 mask.
Mask Directions
[Editor’s Note: Previous updates have been removed]
Good advice to use a mask but let’s be more calm. According to the California Department of Health and Human Services, ash deposited by forest/brush fires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash found in fireplaces. Obviously it should be respected but it is not radioactive and poisonous per se. Too many people are running around frightened already.
Yeah, being in a fire zone makes us “elite”.
What an idiot.