Avoid breathing difficulties: Stay indoors

Medical experts advise people with or without breathing difficulties to stay indoors under smoky conditions.

"Anybody with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should definitely stay inside," said Kelly Dawson, nurse manager of emergency services at Carson-Tahoe Hospital. "Carson-Tahoe Hospital is geared up to handle them. We have several staff on-call to take care of an increased need."

Dawson said the hospital declared a disaster alert at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The decision was made by the administrative coordinator and nursing supervisor.

"Planning is done, and extra staff is made available (with the alert)," she said. "It will stay in effect until no longer needed. The simplest thing: don't go outside. Keep in a smoke-free area."

Dawson said if symptoms go from bad to worse, and they are not receiving relief from use of an inhaler, go to the emergency room. As of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, staff had not treated anyone for breathing difficulties, but did expect them.

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.