Go Hang Out Indoors: San Francisco is in Red Level Air Quality Due to North Bay Fires
San Francisco is experiencing Red Level air quality today due to the wildfires in the North Bay. Red Level air quality means the air is unhealthy. There are other levels that are worse, with “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” topping the charts, but it’s worth noting.
SF Gate is comparing the current levels to Beijing’s ongoing air quality and those with sensitivities, heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Skip exercising outdoors…you probably wanted to anyway.
A full press release was sent out yesterday and you can check the ongoing air quality levels here.
Follow these precautions to protect your health:
• Minimize outdoor activities
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors
• Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you experience symptoms
related to smoke exposure
People in San Francisco can go to the following San Francisco Public Libraries to find respite from
the poor air quality caused by the North Bay fires. These locations have air filters:
• San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin St., 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Chinatown Branch Library, 1135 Powell Street, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Mission Bay Branch Library, 960 Fourth Street, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Glen Park Branch Library, 2825 Diamond Street, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Southeast Community Facility/City College of San Francisco Library, 1800 Oakdale Avenue,
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience the following symptoms. As always, if you or
someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1:
• Repeated coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Palpitations
• Nausea or unusual fatigue
• Lightheadedness
Due to active wildfires and changing wind patterns, air quality could be impacted for many days to
come. Outside of the active fire areas, air quality will be variable and unpredictable. Air quality may
improve at times or get worse, very quickly.
Other related articles: How to help Napa fire victims: 8 things you can do for California’s Wine Country right now
