Showing posts with label Smoke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smoke. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Wildfire Smoke

Individuals with kidney disease may be at a higher risk of dangers from wildfire smoke. If you live near an area that is experiencing a wildfire, you should take special care to avoid smoke and ash, if possible.

The CDC has information on wildfire smoke and how to protect yourself:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Florida Wildfires

The Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition is currently monitoring the wildfire situation in Florida.

If you are in the impacted area, it is vital to listen and obey your local officials' emergency orders. Most importantly, evacuate if you are told to do so. For individuals with kidney failure, remember to take your medicines, medical records, supplies, food, and insurance information. Call your dialysis clinic and tell them that you had to evacuate and tell them where you are staying.

Wildfires can also cause problems even if you are not in the impacted area. Smoke can reduce visibility on roads which can cause traffic accidents or close important roads. Make sure you know alternate routes to reach your dialysis facility, pharmacy, or family member's home.

The wildfire smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your nose/throat/lungs, and can worsen illness. If you have respiratory problems, try to stay indoors away from the smoke. For more information, visit the Wildfire Smoke Health and Safety page from the Arkansas Division of Air Quality.

For information about wildfire safety, visit the American Red Cross site http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_594_,00.html