Free N95 Masks Distributed December 18-22
Air quality shows improvement today, but some people may still benefit from wearing an N95 mask. Here are locations to get free masks this week, Dec. 18-22:
- Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Ave.), Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Dr.), Mon–Thurs 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Santa Barbara Public Library (40 East Anapamu St.), Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
- Carpinteria Public Library (5141 Carpinteria Ave.), Mon 10 a.m.–7:30 pm.; Tues 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Wed 10 am–7:30 p.m.; Thurs and Fri 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Buellton CVS, ask store staff (218 East Hwy. 246, Buellton), Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
The N-95 masks are adult-sized masks and will provide only limited protection for most children. N-95 masks, when fitted properly with a tight seal, provide some protection from the fine particles in smoke. Ordinary dust masks and surgical masks do not provide this protection as they do not provide a tight seal.
- At our hospital, the air handlers continue to remove air particulates so there is no need to wear a mask while in the buildings, and air filters are being changed frequently. Unfortunately, we are unable to eliminate the smell of smoke.
- Additional places where N95 masks may be available for purchase include our Ace Hardware CMNH partners: Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center; Valley Hardware and Garden Center (Solvang); Harrison Hardware (SYV); and Miner’s Ace Hardware stores (SLO County).
SB County APCD @OurAirAdvisory
11AM — See current particulate AQI conditions throughout #SantaBarbaraCounty in image below. SBCAPCD is working to get its webpage up and running with the chart but will be tweeting the current conditions in the meantime (hourly updates).