via: cnn.com Whipped by high winds, a wildfire in central Washington state has scorched 26,500 acres and destroyed at least 60 homes, officials said Tuesday. The fire raging near Cle Elum is one of several devastating Western states this week. See More
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will severely limit smoking on its campus this year, in an effort to improve the health of…
State health officials urge people to reduce their risk from wildfire smoke by taking the following precautions: Stay indoors or limit outdoor activities as much as possible. Avoid physical exertion. Keep windows and doors of your home shut. If you have air conditioning, run it with the fresh-air intake closed. Set wall units to “re-circulate.” Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution, such as cigarette smoking, burning candles, frying food and using aerosol products or fireplaces. Do not use vacuum cleaners which can stir up dust already inside your home. Keep your airways moist by drinking plenty of water. Consider leaving the area or going to a shelter until smoke conditions improve. Common symptoms of smoke exposure include coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes and runny nose.
