Smoke Safety for a Newborn During the CZU Wildfire
2020 has been a hard year for most, especially new and expecting parents. Unfortunately, we now have a new reason to wear face masks while outside of our homes in Santa Cruz, San Jose, and the rest of the Bay Area. The CZU complex fire has burned 63,000 acres between both Santa Cruz and San Mateo County since Sunday, August 16th, 2020. Many people are worried about their babies and smoke safety. I wanted to leave everyone with some tips for smoke safety for a newborn during the CZU wildfire.
The CZU complex fire has affected air quality in Santa Cruz, the Bay Area, and the majority of California.
The CZU complex fire has displaced thousands of people and left many ready to evacuate. While there are multiple things to consider and watch for right now smoke safety is something that should also be considered. This is especially true for kids, babies, pregnant people, as well as those with preexisting health conditions.
Infant smoke safety tips:
Here are some tips for smoke safety with a newborn during the CZU wildfire. During this time it is suggested to wear a face mask at all times when you are outside. Keep all windows closed, if you have air conditioning or a fan you can use it for ventilation. It is NOT recommended or considered safe to put face masks or anything else over your baby’s nose or face. Instead, try to keep small children inside as much as possible. If your child is having trouble breathing please call your doctor right away.
Other things to consider:
Our community has been pulling together resources for families who have been displaced during this wildfire. It is suggested to make an evacuation plan beforehand. There are many resources available at this time. Here are some I’ve found useful. Please stay safe!
Resources for safety during this time:
Cal Fire CZU Twitter Feed– This is where you can find new evacuation orders and other updates.
Prepared not scared brochure– This is used to help you make a list for evacuation preparation.
Code red – This enables you to get mobile alerts of evacuations in your area.
purple air – This website allows you to check air quality at your location.
Cal Fire CZU Facebook page – This is a great resource for current information as well as a live broadcast at 6 am and 6 pm each day.
The fires are heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with everyone who has lost their home or have been affected by the fires. We appreciate being a part of this community so much and hold everyone in our hearts during this emotional time.
For more useful blogs about all things pregnancy, postpartum, parenthood and baby check out Bay City Doulas blog page!
