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Pasadena is expanding access to free personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents affected by the Eaton Fire by establishing new distribution sites at public libraries and community centers.
The Pasadena Public Health Department will continue distributing PPE at 450 N. Lake Ave. through Sunday, January 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in conjunction with Pasadena Water and Power Department’s bottled water distribution site.
“Being around ash may irritate your eyes, nose, or skin; and can cause coughing, asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, headaches, and other health effects,” the Pasadena Public Health Department stated. “Prevent exposure by wearing protective gear in areas affected by the fires, especially while cleaning up ash.”
“Use respirators that have two straps and the words ‘NIOSH’ and either ‘N95’ or ‘P100’ printed on them,” Pasadena Public Health Department advises. “These respirators filter fine particles from smoke and coarse particles from ash, respiratory irritants that can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.”
Starting Tuesday, January 21 at noon, eight new locations will begin distributing free PPE respirators. The Pasadena Public Health Department emphasizes that respirators must be obtained in a size that can be tightened over the mouth and nose with a snug seal to the face.
“Pasadena Public Health Department recommends residents at risk of health impacts from the air quality, including older adults, children, people with disabilities, people with underlying health conditions, or people who are immunocompromised, wear respirators,” the department stated. Those with heart or lung disease should consult their doctors before using respirators or working around ash.
The new distribution sites include: Allendale Branch Library (1130 South Marengo Avenue), Hastings Branch Library (3325 East Orange Grove Blvd.), Jackie Robinson Community Center (1020 N Fair Oaks Ave), Lamanda Park Branch Library (140 South Altadena Drive), San Rafael Branch Library (1240 Nithsdale Road), Victory Park Recreation Center (2575 Paloma St), Villa Parke Community Center (363 East Villa Street), and Villa Parke Community Center Branch Library (363 E Villa Street).
For residents unable to visit these locations, officials note that respirators are available online and at many hardware stores and pharmacies.
“Surgical masks and one-strap dust masks will not protect your lungs, as they are not designed to seal tightly to the face,” Pasadena Public Health Department warns.
For library branch hours, residents can visit:
CityOfPasadena.net/Library/
Community and recreation center hours are available at:
CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-
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