Cleaning up the ash from our homes, yards, businesses and streets will eventually help clean our air and our community, but it must be done safely. Smoke and ash can be harmful to your health and the health of those around you. The greatest risk is from fine particles that are not visible. Persons who are sensitive to smoke or ash should not participate in cleanup operations. Decisions about when to clean up ash should be based on the level of fine particles in the air. Check your local air quality information at https://www.tehcoapcd.net/current-air-quality/
When you determine it is safe to clean up, PROTECT YOURSELF and remember these three C’s: CONTROL – CONTAIN – CAPTURE
CONTROL
Try to control the amount of ash particles that get re-suspended into the air. DO NOT USE LEAF BLOWERS under any circumstances as they blow the fine particles around and create more health concerns. Instead, use only household vacuums or shop vacuums with HEPA filters. You can also sweep gently with a push broom, then hose lightly with water. Do not allow children to play in the ash. Wash ash off toys before children play with them and do not allow children to be in areas where ash-covered materials are being disturbed.
CONTAIN
Use appropriate cleaning materials for the task at hand. Contain ash by gently sweeping indoor and outdoor hard surfaces followed by wet mopping with a damp cloth. Ash can be bagged and disposed of in regular trash receptacles. You may also allow water from cleaning to drain into landscaping as ash will not hurt plants or grass.
CAPTURE
Protect storm drains from ash and any cleaning chemicals used while cleaning by diverting away from storm drains or recapturing. Ash is highly acidic, which is harmful for people, the environment, and aquatic life. Scoop up captured ash and debris and dispose of appropriately. If washing roof areas, redirect downspouts to landscaped areas – ash will not hurt plants or grass.
We do not advise ash clean-up while ash is still falling and the situation is unpredictable. Wait until conditions improve.