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Smoke from South Florida fires hanging over region
Okaloosa County issues smoke advisory
Wildfires in South Florida are leaving their mark on the Florida Panhandle.
Winds out of the south are bringing smoke to the area, officials believe.
Jackson Guard spokesman Mike Spaits said a Civil Air Patrol plane will also go up this morning to make sure there are no local fires.
The Okaloosa County Health Department issued an advisory about the smoke. It can be read in total below.
OKALOOSA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE REGARDING WILDFIRE SMOKE
FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) offers advice to citizens that may be impacted by wildfire smoke.
According to the Department of Environmental Protection website, current air quality in our area is good to moderate, however smoke is a respiratory irritant, and can cause scratchy throat, irritated eyes or nose, and worsen conditions such as asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions.
How to Protect Your Family from the Health Effects of Smoke:
Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke. Air quality information can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us
Use common sense. If it is smoky outside avoid prolonged outdoor activities. It is especially important to limit time spent outdoors for children and persons with existing medical conditions.
Stay indoors and run your air-conditioner, if you have one. For best results in vehicles, run the air conditioning with re-circulated air or max A/C setting. For questions regarding buildings that are equipped with outside air intakes, consult a licensed air-conditioning or mechanical contractor or professional engineer.
Note: If you don't have an air-conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.
Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles! Don't vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don't smoke tobacco.
Follow your doctor’s advice about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
For additional information contact the Okaloosa County Health Department at 850-833-9245.
