Check Air Quality, Stay Indoors, and Create a Clean Room

Now that we have entered peak wildfire season, regional Air Pollution Control Districts encourage you to prepare for potentially poor air quality caused by smoke.

Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles known as particulate matter that can travel hundreds of miles. These particles harm the lungs and heart and can cause coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty, chest pain, nausea and, in severe instances, premature mortality. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, kids, and pregnant women are especially sensitive.

The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible when smoke is present. Take these steps to stay safe:

• Know local air quality conditions.
  • For current air quality conditions and daily forecasts, visit and bookmark your air district’s website.
    • Santa Barbara County APCD — OurAir.org/todays-air-quality
  • You can also view current conditions – including from PurpleAir sensors at the neighborhood level — on the AirNow Fire & Smoke map, available in English and Spanish: AirNow.gov.
  • Sign up for Air Quality Alerts and notifications through your air district:
    • Santa Barbara County APCD — OurAir.org/subscribe
    • Available via text and/or email, in English and Spanish
      
      
• Smoke-proof your home.
  • Create a clean air room by putting a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) purifier in a room where you spend a lot of time, like a bedroom. These can reduce particulate matter indoors by 90%.
    • They can be purchased at hardware stores or online retailers.
    • Make sure that the device doesn’t create ozone. Find a list of safe options at https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm.
      • Choose a make and model suited for your room size. HEPA purifiers for an average-sized bedroom cost about $75.
      • Replace the filter as directed in the owner’s manual. Filters need to be replaced more frequently if used during a wildfire.
  • Assembling a do-it-yourself version of an air purifier for a clean air room can be a more affordable option, with materials costing about $40. This DIY version has been shown to reduce harmful particulate matter indoors similarly to a HEPA purifier:
    • Use tape to attach a 20-by-20-inch MERV 13 air filter — like what you would use for an HVAC system — to the back of a 20-by-20-inch box fan. Attaching to the back of the fan creates a better seal. Use a 2012 or newer fan due to safety features.
    • Check the direction of the air flow, which is marked on the side of the filter.
    • As needed, disassemble the fan to wipe away dirt.
    • Don’t leave the device unattended.
    • Turn off the fan while sleeping.
    • Use the device modified in this way only as an air cleaner, not as a fan to cool your home.
  • Check windows and doors to ensure the room is sealed tightly so smoke does not get pulled inside. Weatherize your home in preparation for wildfires by sealing leaky windows and doors.
  • Upgrade the filter in your HVAC system to a filter rated MERV 13. Check and replace that filter regularly.
  • Avoid activities that create smoke or pollution indoors, such as smoking, using your wood-burning fireplace, and burning incense or candles. Use your range hood while cooking.
  • People with health conditions should talk to their doctor to develop a personal plan for wildfire smoke.
     
• Find a Clean Air Center near you if you can’t create a clean air room at home.
  • Find the one closest to you at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/cleanaircenters.

Every Text is Received and Handled Live by a Local Dispatcher

In an emergency, remember you can always text 911 in Santa Barbara County, a reliable option available for everyone in our county.

This easy to remember option became the primary way to reach dispatchers during a 911 outage that began July 22, 2025, at approximately 10 a.m. and was resolved July 23, 2025, at approximately 8 a.m. 

According to CalOES, the overseer of 911 communications for the State, the outage was due to construction in Santa Barbara, when a third-party construction vendor cut two Frontier fiber lines.  The outage was countywide, impacting multiple Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).

Public Safety Answering Points throughout the county, including the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara Police Department, Lompoc Police Department, Santa Maria Police Department, University of California, Santa Barbara Police Department, and Vandenberg Space Force Base.  All quickly released alternate phone lines and utilized the text-to-911 feature during the outage.

The County Office of Emergency Management responded quickly to requests for support to notify the public by sending out alerts through ReadySBC.  An emergency alerting system that the public can sign up for at ReadySBC.org.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Public Safety Dispatch Center reports that during the outage, a comparable number of calls for service were received, and the call volume was steady.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said, “During the recent phone service outage, the Sheriff’s Office Communications Dispatchers acted swiftly to ensure public safety. As soon as the disruption was identified, our team pivoted to alternative methods, including the use of cell phones to maintain critical connectivity. We also promptly shared information with the community, through our local media, on alternative ways to reach emergency services. In addition, our use of Rapid SOS technology enabled us to identify, and recall dropped 911 calls, ensuring that emergencies did not go unanswered during the outage. This incident underscores the professionalism and adaptability of our dispatchers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to protect lives and maintain public safety, no matter the challenge.  The text-to-911 system was heavily used during this incident, and it worked well. This is a great opportunity to remind the public that this service is always available.”

Text-to-911 Information

The text-to-911 service is available to all at any time.  In addition, it is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired, or those in dangerous situations where speaking could worsen the threat. The system also plays a crucial role during widespread voice outages: text messages often go through when calls can’t.  Language translation is available on text to 911.  Text to 911 is available in Santa Barbara County, but not currently across the entire state.

Essential Texting Guidelines

To help dispatchers respond quickly and effectively:

• Always include your precise location. Texts don’t auto-share location—this detail is vital.
• Use clear, plain language and avoid emojis, slang, or abbreviations.
• Stick to one-to-one texting; group messages won’t go through.
• No media allowed. Photos and videos can’t be sent to 911.
• You may request that a dispatcher give you a call.
• Emergencies only. For non-urgent matters, call Dispatch at 805‑683‑2724 or Sheriff’s Headquarters at 805‑681‑4100.

Why This Matters

• Text to 911 fills a critical gap when calling isn’t possible, such as during medical emergencies, domestic violence, or threats where silence is necessary, dispatchers are trained to assist via text when voice is not safe.
• Accessible and inclusive, it offers a lifeline to those who are hearing- or speech-impaired—especially when traditional 911 services fall short. Language translation is available on text to 911.
• Reliable, available as a backup when needed

Remember:

• Call if you can. Text if you can’t.
• Every text is received and handled live by a trained dispatcher in our center.
• Include your location. Dispatchers will need you to confirm where you are so they can send help.

Help is just a text or a call away.

Additional info on Text to 911: Text to 911: What You Need To Know | Federal Communications Commission

Sign up for ReadySBC emergency alerts here: ReadySBC Alerts – Sign Up

Pictured: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Supervisor Ben Johnson

As students sharpen their pencils and backpacks are filled with new supplies, the start of the school year is a great reminder for families to revisit more than just academic checklists. August is the perfect time to think about emergency preparedness, an essential step in ensuring that children are not only ready for school, but also safe and informed if the unexpected happens.

The City of Goleta encourages all families to take a few simple steps now that can make a big difference during an emergency. Start by reviewing and updating emergency contact information on file with your child’s school. Be sure to include an out-of-area contact in case local phone lines or cell towers are impacted during a disaster.

Since Emergency Preparedness Month is fast approaching, this is a great time to create or revisit your family emergency plan. Taking simple steps now, like making sure everyone in your household, including kids, knows how to communicate during an emergency, where to meet if separated, and what to do during local hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, or power outages can make a big difference. Turning this into a fun and engaging family activity not only helps children feel prepared but also reassures them by giving them a sense of control and confidence. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and every step you take strengthens the resilience of our entire community.

Another great tip is to pack a small emergency kit in your child’s backpack. Items like a flashlight, emergency contact card, snack, and a comfort item such as a family photo can be reassuring in a stressful moment. Older students may also benefit from having a phone charger or installing an emergency notification app.

It’s also important to stay informed. Signing up for local alert systems, such as ReadySBC Alerts from Santa Barbara County, ensures you’ll receive accurate and timely information during emergencies, including evacuation notices, weather advisories, and public safety updates.

Let’s start the school year with more than just pencils and planners. Let’s start it prepared. For more emergency planning resources or to register for free disaster preparedness classes like LISTOS or CERT, visit Goleta Emergency Preparedness – City of Goleta.

Preparing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming, but it does require a few intentional steps. By planning ahead, you help build confidence and resilience in your family, especially your children.