Florida Department of Health in Duval County Advises to Take Health Precautions in Areas with Heavy Smoke 

Contact:
Heidi Moore
CHD16MediaRequests@flhealth.gov

904-253-1010

Jacksonville, Fla. – Due to the West Mims Forest Fire and weather forecasts, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) wants residents and visitors to take precaution when being in areas affected heavily by smoke. Smoke can cause individuals to experience scratchy throats or irritated eyes and noses. Smoke can also worsen asthma and other chronic lung or heart conditions.

How to protect your family from smoke:

• Avoid prolonged outdoor activities in areas heavily affected by smoke. This is especially important for children and persons with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Stay indoors and run your air conditioner. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. For best results, run the air conditioning with recirculated air.
• Help keep particle levels lower inside. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and candles. Do not vacuum, which stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke.
• Follow your doctor’s advice about taking medicines and following your asthma management plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. Pay attention to local air quality reports (www.airnow.gov), news coverage or health warnings related to smoke.

About the Florida Department of Health 

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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