the Air Quality Index explained as well as 10 precautions to take when in a wildfire smoke filled area.

Smoke from the Campfire blaze is shrouding San Francisco.

Smoke has invaded the entire San Francisco Bay area, it is gathering in the valleys trapped by the mountains and an air dam at the Golden Gate. A high-pressure area forms at sea just west of the city, normally it brings in warm temperatures and no wind in that position. It does drive the Diablo wind further north, right where the Campfire is burning. It takes it's position several times a year, during the summer months high temperatures are the immediate result. But it presents a different situation to the north, and it's not very far it causes winds 100 miles from the Bay. This configuration will continue according to the weather forecasts until Thanksgiving.

It is an intense shroud of smoke, during normal situations the visibility is at least 20 miles, today it is about 400-600 yards. It is getting worse, today is the unhealthiest day as of yet since the Campfire has started. San Francisco and Sacramento are each experiencing an unhealthy air quality index rating of over 300, normally during a wildfire it is half of that rate. The index was created for reporting on the daily air quality, it is listed on the weather page of the local newspaper, and mentioned during the weather reports on television as well. Air Quality Index tracks five major air pollutants, ozone on the ground, the number of particle pollutants, Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide. In this country, ground-level ozone and particulate matter are the greatest threats for those with compromising health issues. The AQI is based on a scale of 500, the higher the number the higher the threat. A reading of 25 designates the air as being "Good", whereas an Index number of 300 earns a "Hazardous" rating, there are six categories:

1) 0-50 symbolized in green the air quality is "Good", air quality is at a level that poses little or no risk.

2) 51-100 is designated in yellow and is a "Moderate" range. Air quality in this range is considered to be acceptable, those more sensitive to air pollution may suffer some symptoms.

3) 101-150 Color is Orange having an "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" label. Those of us who are in sensitive groups may exhibit some symptoms, but the majority will be unaffected.

4) 151-200 Red means it is "Unhealthy. Everyone may possibly experience adverse effects on their health, heart patients, and those with respiratory illnesses should stay indoors and when not should wear a respirator mask.

5) 301-500 Maroon in color and has the highest rating and title "Hazardous". The most unhealthy rating and the most dangerous, the incidences of stroke, heart attack and respiratory failure increase during this alert range.

The Good and Moderate index ratings are safe for everyone, working outdoors is OK as well as all other outdoor activities. When the ratings enter the 101-500 ranges persons with health issues are at extreme risk. Levels above 500, they do occur, are outside of the Air Quality Index's sphere, definitely, the precautions for the "Hazardous" category should be adhered to.

The air quality index is used throughout the Country.

Three groups of people are considered to be at the greatest risk when in a wildfire smoke area:

* People diagnosed with Heart disease, Lung illnesses, Asthma or Chronic Bronchitis.

* Older Adults due to them having an increased risk of heart and lung diseases are more likely to be affected by the smoke. It may be just enough to initiate a coronary issue or a flare-up.

* Children's respiratory systems are developing they breath more air per pound of body weight than adults, as well as spending more time out of doors places them in the high-risk category.

We can take some measures to reduce our risk from the smoke;

* Keeping track of the local weather reports, normally wildfires take center stage during the news broadcast, pay particular attention to the Air Quality Index report. Be familiar with the manner it is reported, most stations have their own unique way of describing their broadcast areas, learn them.

(Link to an explanation of the AQI)

* Visibility can serve as a guide, we all know how far we can see on a clear day, and we notice when that visibility is restricted, if we pay attention it will give us an advanced warning. Most communities have in place monitors that measure the distance that is visible, we hear them when the fog rolls in, snow storms, and of course wildfire smoke. Visually determining the cleanliness of the air is a viable way to determine if we are at risk.

* Secure all of our doors and windows with the goal of keeping the air indoors as clean as possible. The air conditioner may be run but close the outside air intake and make sure all filters are clean which will prevent the contaminated outside air from entering. If an air conditioner is not available and it is too hot to remain indoors, seek a designated evacuation center or leave to an unaffected location.

* Don't burn candles, have a fire in the fireplace, or run gas stoves as they will increase the indoor pollution. Vacuuming will cause particles already inside the house to become airborne adding to the particulate matter in the room. Smoking will also increase the level of contamination, it's a good time to quit.

* Construct the wildfire safety zone around the home if the residence is in a rural area. A 100-foot area cleared around the house is recommended, placing a sprinkler on your roof will help protect it from flying embers and will keep the pollutants down helping to keep them from entering through windows and air leaks.

* Prevent the wildfires from starting, when we are camping, hiking or having a picnic be certain to build the campfire in a safe manner, upon leaving them make double sure they are completely extinguished. Check with the Rangers or local fire department if a campfire is allowed.

* Follow the Doctors orders, plan to evacuate if you are an at-risk person.

* Dust mask are for blocking large particles, the paper mask is slightly better than nothing but should not be relied upon to block all particles from entering the respiratory system. They do not block the PM10 of which smoke is mostly made of, our best choice is to purchase a "half face mask" with appropriate filters. By all means, if the paper mask is all that is available wear one.

The N95 mask, some have mesh some do not, they are not the best protection
however, they are better than being without one.

* If told to evacuate, go, do not hesitate or argue with the messenger he is there to save our lives.

* Purchase air purifiers, it is not necessary to have one that purifies the entire house. All it has to do is clean the air in the room (s) that are occupied, calculate the square footage of an area easily blocked off and make certain the filter is able to process that much air. It is less expensive to purchase units that will clean a small room if more than one is to be used. One that will purify 150 sq feet is fine for a bedroom, when ganged together two will purify 300 square feet for 1/2 the cost of a 400 sq ft unit.

* All smoke ends up on the ground, protect yourself after the fire and the smoke event. When involved in the cleanup efforts continue to wear the respirator, gloves, goggles, long pants, and all other safety equipment.

The 3M "half mask" positively eliminates the small particulates contained in smoke.

Wildfires are increasing in the number of occurrences, the intensity of the fires, and the area they are engulfing producing more smoke than ever before. That smoke is a combination of the gases released by burning trees, grasses and other fuel in the forest and the structures they burn down. It irritates our eyes, changes our voices when it infiltrates our respiratory systems, and worsen chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease. The wild areas are bone dry and will remain so until the rains begin, the chance of them starting are at an extremely high level right now. Be attentive of warning of wildfires, instigate proactive measures to protect yourself all year round. Take the warnings seriously, these fires are fast moving and terribly destructive. Take some actions to protect yourself from the smoke.

Thanks for reading and sharing, when in a wildfire area we must practice caution in everything we do from parking on the shoulder of the road to starting a campfire, we can do a lot to mitigate the dangers. Thanks again.

JacquesLebec Emergencykitsplus.com