This panoramic photo taken Monday night from the Raley's parking lot at sunset shows the obscured view by smoke from wildfires in the region.
Carson Tahoe Health has experienced a slight increase in patient volumes due to respiratory concerns linked to the “hazardous” air quality caused by the wildfires, according to a Wednesday media release.
CTH has taken steps to prepare and protect patients and staff within its facilities.
Precautions include consolidating entrances at the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center (CTRMC) and Carson Tahoe Specialty Medical Center (CTSMC), the release said.
CTH has adjusted the air handlers that feed these inpatient areas to maximize air filtration and equipped the facilities with air scrubbers to maintain good air quality.
CTH recommends that community members:
Stay inside
Refrain from exercising outdoors
Keep hydrated to suppress a cough and help prevent smoky air from settling in lungs
Limit use of vacuums or gas stoves
Keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning if possible to help filter air throughout the house
When driving your car in smoky areas, keep your windows and vents closed, make sure it’s set to re-circulate so you’re not bringing in outside air
Air quality is expected to remain poor throughout the week. Hourly air quality updates can be found at www.airnow.gov.
