The Coastal Health District is encouraging residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke impacts air quality across the Coastal Health District. Wildfires are currently burning in Brantley and Clinch counties, and smoke can be expected in the air over southeastern and coastal Georgia in the coming days.

Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people have a higher risk of health problems associated with wildfire smoke. People at increased risk include individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart disease. Pregnant women, children, and first responders are also at higher risk.

If wildfire smoke is impacting your area, you’re encouraged to:

• Stay inside and away from the smoke.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. You can also use fans inside the home to help stay cool.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution such as smoking or vaping, spraying aerosol products, burning candles or incense, or vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter.
• Keep airways moist by drinking plenty of water.
• Follow the advice of your health care provider about medicines and your respiratory management plan if you have asthma, COPD, or any other lung or heart disease. Seek medical attention if you are having difficulty breathing or if your symptoms worsen.

According to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, as of Wednesday afternoon, April 22, the air quality index in the Glynn County area was labeled as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor messages from their local county emergency management agency and check air quality index reports online at airgeorgia.org.