How to keep yourself safe from the dismal air quality driven by these fires

As fires tear through Los Angeles County, even areas that aren't under direct threat from the flames are getting engulfed in smoke.

Public health officials declared a local health emergency for L.A. County late Friday, saying the fire had caused "significant health and safety risks for residents across the county." The order also prohibits the use of leaf blowers, which can kick up ash and other harmful particulates.

Here's how to handle the poor air quality.

How bad is the air?

The South Coast Air Quality Management District monitors particulates in our region. (This is reflected in the Air Quality Index, or AQI.) SCAQMD says much of the Los Angeles basin’s air is unhealthy for sensitive people. And the closer you get to the fires, the worse it gets.

For an up-to-date map of current conditions, go here.

But things aren't good. We've heard from people outside of direct fire areas having to clean soot off their countertops, even with their windows shut tight. Here at LAist, one of our staff members had to get on the roof this week to try to tape off our skylights, which were leaking ash into the newsroom.

So, yes, not good.

See also: Does a ‘good’ Air Quality Index rating mean it’s safe to be outdoors?

Should I be worried?

Even if you don't live or work near a major fire, you can still be affected by smoke particles in the air. So, what's in that smoke, and how much should you worry about it?

Depending on the fire, the smoke can be made up of various substances, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor, particulate matter, organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, and more. Exposure to smoke can cause a range of health effects, from eye and lung irritation to asthma and premature death.

Those especially sensitive to smoke include:

• People with asthma
• People with cardiovascular diseases
• People with respiratory diseases
• The elderly
• Young children
• Pregnant women

Particulate matter is the main public health threat during short-term exposure to wildfire smoke, so it's crucial to protect yourself.

See also: What parents should know about wildfire air quality, ash, and protecting kids

What should I do?

Thinking of going outside? Don't. It's best to stay inside with the air conditioner on. And you're going to want filtered air. Many evaporative cooling systems, aka "swamp coolers," don't filter the air.

Once you turn on the cool, filtered air, keep the doors and windows closed to keep the unhealthy air outside. You're also going to want to avoid vigorous activity — anything that makes you breathe deeply.

Do not use any indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances or fireplaces. And when smoke subsides, you should air out your home to clear any polluted air that might be trapped inside.

But what if you're stuck in a car or driving through areas of smoke? Same deal. Close the windows and doors and run your car's air conditioner. AQMD says that carbon dioxide levels can spike quickly in newer cars if vents and windows are closed and the circulation setting is on, so crack the windows once you're in there for a while to prevent grogginess.

How to protect yourself

Here's advice from SCAQMD:

• Avoid using indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Avoid using a swamp cooler or other fan that brings in outside air.
• Use an N-95 or P-100 mask when going outside.

"Even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, if you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities," the organization warned.

How serious are the longterm effects?

As our friends at NPR report, a recent study of smoke exposure from California wildfires between 2008 and 2018 estimated that as many as 55,710 premature deaths were attributable to wildfire-related PM2.5 in the air.

That particulate is notable, NPR reports, because:

Previous reporting by Michelle Faust Raghavan, Michelle Lanz, Brian Frank and Megan Larson

Fire resources and tips

If you have to evacuate

• Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to getting packed up right now to evacuate
• Cheat sheet: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate

If you have more time:

• Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you

Things to consider:

• Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
• This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home

Navigating fire conditions

• Cheat sheet: Your very short guide to driving in high winds and fire danger
• High winds and fires mean power outages. Here's how to prep

How to help yourself and others

• Resources for SoCal fire victims, evacuees and first responders
• What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
• If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer

Understanding how it got this bad

• Yes, wildfires are getting worse. The history that got us to this moment