This document was originally compiled for 2018 fire season. Links to outdated resources have been removed as of 10/19.
*We can’t vouch for all of these posts, but wanted to share what we’ve seen.
Url for this page to share - https://tinyurl.com/AirResourcesSFBay
Table of Contents:
Translations & other Languages
Air Quality Tracking
Sign up for text alerts for emergencies at ACAlert (Oakland, Berkeley, etc.) or AlertSF (San Francisco). AlertSF has been sending out daily Air Quality Index reports.
MASKS, PURIFIERS, RESPITE, etc.
Places to access cleaner air
Tips & Resources re: Masks
Free Masks
Shelters
How to make a DIY Air Purifier[e][f]
Additional air purifying resources:
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY:
Places to donate + volunteer
MaskOakland (mask distribution to houseless and vulnerable communities)
FOLLOW, SUPPORT, DONATE to Disability Justice Culture Club. getting urgent support to those coping with power loss. (batteries, generators, transport, breathing spaces).
donations on venmo @stacey-milbern
Are you in the Bay Area and have resources you can share with disabled people and elders in a power outage, as early as 10/26? Please complete this form. The previous mutual aid spreadsheet made contact info too public so we are using this private form. You can also call us at 910-722-9552 and leave a detailed message.
Ways to support houseless folks
Organizing Against #ClimateFire
Ways to donate to fire relief efforts
HERBAL SUPPORT
OTHER TIPS & RESOURCES
ARTICLES:
中文资源 - RESOURCES IN CHINESE:
RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL - RESOURCES IN SPANISH:
Lugares con mejor aireMGA MAPAGKUKUNAN SA TAGALOG - RESOURCES IN TAGALOG:
TÀI NGUYÊN BẰNG TIẾNG VIỆT - RESOURCES IN VIETNAMESE:
الموارد باللغة العربية - RESOURCES IN ARABIC
[a]Does anyone have links to info about the relative protection offered by "not good" masks? I know N95 is the standard, but in a situation where N95 masks are scarce or unavailable, what level of protection do surgical style masks or other less effective masks provide? I'll take 50% filtration over nothing.
[b]I think n95 is really the minimum, and they have to fit properly. The most harmful particles are the small ones, PM 2.5, and my understanding is that the paper surgical masks do basically nothing to filter those out - FYI those masks are designed to protect other people from the wearers droplets - larger droplets than PM 2.5 - germs/sneezes/breath/spit, not to protect the wearer from things. Maybe there’s something else that’s better than nothing, but I don’t know what it is
[c]This link gives a breakdown of efficacy of different masks https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-anti-pollution-masks-that-work-Has-there-been-reputable-research-on-the-effectiveness-of-anti-pollution-masks-Is-it-recommended-to-wear-these-or-is-this-unnecessary?fbclid=IwAR3KQKGnx6bYkSwakAh-atul0HOY7mUKBH6B11Xb1lF5qdbCok06XDqXZWM
[d]"Health officials say N95 masks to filter wildfire smoke may do more harm than good" https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/N95-mask-wildfire-smoke-are-they-safe-14560537.php
[e]Most hardware stores/big box stores are out of the furnace filters you need to make the DIY box fans. I’m looking now & can give info, but don’t have the capacity to continually update a list but later might be able to make a living spreadsheet that ppl can update. I can share the info I have as of now, but also wonder about a mass order to help distribute? Feel free to contact me carrietotherebecca@gmail.com
[f]At least my local Home Depot is also out of flat-front fans. If we are thinking about mass-ordering, those seem less practical to ship in bulk?
[g]Does anyone know where to buy air purifiers now? I don't see any in stock on the online stores and I'm guessing they are sold out at a lot of local stores too.
[h]Amazon, though evil in it's own ways, was delivering in 2 days
[i]I bought the Coway they recommended earlier this week and it is fabulous. Can modify its level based on the air quality.