Here's How To Protect Yourself From Unhealthy Air In Sacramento

The ongoing fire season is bringing severe smoke and haze to Northern California this week.

Due to a wind shift on Wednesday, August 19, several more locations in the state are experiencing thick smoke and haze.

According to ABC10, locations near Sacramento, Woodland, Davis, and Dixon have Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers over 200.

To help protect yourself from smokey air, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking these steps:

• Check local air quality reports. Also, pay attention to public health messages about Air Quality Index and safety measures.
• Consult local visibility guides.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. If you are advised to say indoors, keep windows and doors shut. Turn on the air conditioner but keep the fresh-air intake closed and keep the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution like burning candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, or vacuuming.
• Prevent wildfires from starting. Check with local fire departments to be sure the weather is safe enough for burning trash or debris.
• Don't rely on dust masks for protection from smoke. Masks most commonly found at hardware stores are for large particles like sawdust. They will not protect you from the small particles found in wildfire smoke.
• Clean up ash and other products of a wildfire that can irritate your eyes, nose, or skin.