coldfront
05-08-2007, 10:14 PM
South Florida Sunset
Smoke Blankets Large Part Of State
Health Officials Urge People To Remain Indoors
Click Here To Read FAST FACTS: How To Stay Safe From The Smoke
(CBS4) MIAMI South Florida is seeing sunset through a thick, smoky haze after a series of brush fires and very dry conditions turned blue skies grey, and sent people inside to get away from the smoky smell. Health officials are urging people with breathing problems to find an air conditioner and stay near it.
From downtown Miami, the smoke made the city to look like it was under a pall on a day when Governor Charlie Crist warned all Floridians to be especially vigilant during what he has designated as a fire danger emergency.
The smoke is not from fires in South Florida, but it is being carried down the state in the embrace of a cold front which brought unseasonably cool temperatures and very dry conditions.
The smoke is spreading from fires in Georgia and Central Florida, and is causing hazy conditions over much of the state.
Tuesday, Gov. Crist put state forestry firefighters on alert, and said firefighters in Texas have been put on standby if the fire danger continues and major fires erupt.
CBS4 Health Reporter Dr. Sean Kenniff said smoke and particulate matter from brushfires can travel hundred of miles from the source, the situation which appears to be plaguing South Floridians Tuesday.
The smoke can cause irritation for anyone, by those with asthma, emphysema, or other breathing difficulties are at particular risk, Dr. Kenniff said. Those with allergies could also experience problems, as could people with heart problems.
Health officials are urging people to stay indoors, with the windows shut, and the air conditioner set on 'recirculate' if possible. If you must go out, health officials urge you to stay outside for as brief a time as possible.
Using a damp towel or a mask is not especially helpful, because the smoke can still enter your system through your eyes. Experts say the best advice is to just stay away until the haze clears.
Smoke Blankets Large Part Of State
Health Officials Urge People To Remain Indoors
Click Here To Read FAST FACTS: How To Stay Safe From The Smoke
(CBS4) MIAMI South Florida is seeing sunset through a thick, smoky haze after a series of brush fires and very dry conditions turned blue skies grey, and sent people inside to get away from the smoky smell. Health officials are urging people with breathing problems to find an air conditioner and stay near it.
From downtown Miami, the smoke made the city to look like it was under a pall on a day when Governor Charlie Crist warned all Floridians to be especially vigilant during what he has designated as a fire danger emergency.
The smoke is not from fires in South Florida, but it is being carried down the state in the embrace of a cold front which brought unseasonably cool temperatures and very dry conditions.
The smoke is spreading from fires in Georgia and Central Florida, and is causing hazy conditions over much of the state.
Tuesday, Gov. Crist put state forestry firefighters on alert, and said firefighters in Texas have been put on standby if the fire danger continues and major fires erupt.
CBS4 Health Reporter Dr. Sean Kenniff said smoke and particulate matter from brushfires can travel hundred of miles from the source, the situation which appears to be plaguing South Floridians Tuesday.
The smoke can cause irritation for anyone, by those with asthma, emphysema, or other breathing difficulties are at particular risk, Dr. Kenniff said. Those with allergies could also experience problems, as could people with heart problems.
Health officials are urging people to stay indoors, with the windows shut, and the air conditioner set on 'recirculate' if possible. If you must go out, health officials urge you to stay outside for as brief a time as possible.
Using a damp towel or a mask is not especially helpful, because the smoke can still enter your system through your eyes. Experts say the best advice is to just stay away until the haze clears.