The Californer - Long Beach: City to Distribute N95 Masks to At-Risk Residents Amid Air Quality Concerns

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has announced that they will be distributing free N95 respirator face masks to residents over the age of 18 who are at high risk of health impacts from air quality related to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles County. This distribution will begin today, Jan. 10, and is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations such as older adults, people with disabilities, those with underlying health conditions, and individuals who are immunocompromised.

N95 respirators are designed to filter particles from smoke and ash, both of which can cause respiratory irritation and difficulty breathing. These masks will be available at all Long Beach Public Library locations, as well as various community centers and senior centers across the city.

Residents who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to pick up masks at any of the listed locations during their normal business hours. However, it is advised that individuals call ahead to verify operating hours as they may vary. Phone numbers for community centers can be found in the directory.

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In addition to these distribution points, Homeless Services Bureau staff will also be providing masks to those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The City's Inclement Weather Shelter will also remain open through Monday night, Jan. 13.

To further increase access to this public health resource, the City is reaching out to local community-based senior and disability-serving organizations for assistance in distributing N95 face masks.

It should be noted that while these masks offer protection against fine particles from smoke and ash, they do not reduce exposure to other potentially harmful constituents such as toxic gases or vapors. The most effective action individuals can take during a wildfire is to stay indoors in cleaner air and minimize time spent outdoors in smoky conditions.

The City continues to advise all residents about potential unhealthy air quality due to multiple fires in Los Angeles County producing heavy smoke. It is recommended that people exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in areas directly impacted by smoke and ash. This includes areas where smoke can be seen or smelled.

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To protect against the effects of wildfire smoke, residents are advised to avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion, remain indoors (especially those with respiratory or heart disease, pregnant women, older adults, and children), keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter, run air conditioning if available (with a medium or high-efficiency filter), avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans, and refrain from using indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances.

For more detailed information about air quality related to the wildfires, residents can visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District's website at aqmd.gov or view a map of real-time air quality data. To receive air quality forecasts, individuals can subscribe by visiting air quality alerts.

For up-to-date information on area fires, residents can visit Los Angeles County's Emergency Response Page. It is also recommended that individuals sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City of Long Beach.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Joint Information Center at 562.570.NEWS or JIC@longbeach.gov.

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