Thomas Fire: Air Quality – Additional Mask Distribution Sites Added for TODAY
UPDATE (time extended): Thanks to Direct Relief, 4,000 free masks (limit two per person) will be available at Costco, 7095 Marketplace Dr., Goleta, until 4:30 pm today.
Additional sites to get N95 masks in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria TODAY:
- Franklin Community Center, 1136 East Montecito St., Santa Barbara, from 1 pm to 4:30 pm
- San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Ave., until 5:30 pm
- Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, from 11:30 am to 4 pm
- Albertsons, 1018 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria, from 11:30 am to 4 pm
- Alameda Park, Doctors Without Walls-Santa Barbara Street Medicine, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Please note there may not be enough masks for everyone on the entire South Coast. These are best for those with health sensitivites who must be outdoors for short periods of time. The N95 masks do NOT come in sizes suitable for small children. The SB Co. Public Health Dept. emphasizes that ALL children stay indoors.
Check www.OurAir.org/todays-air-quality/ for current conditions. The chart will indicate when air quality is good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy for all, very unhealthy, and hazardous. For more information, also see https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=smoke.index
- Stay indoors, with windows closed and indoor circulation only. Air conditioning is also an option if the outside intake is closed. Avoid going outdoors. Particles can build up indoors, so if you are feeling symptoms where you are be prepared to relocate to an indoor location with better ventilation, or to leave the area.
- Avoid driving when possible and use “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the car.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep respiratory membranes moist.
- Avoid doing anything to stir up ash.