Direct Relief International will distribute free face masks between noon and 3 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at two locations: Scolari’s supermarket on Milpas Street, and the Goleta Valley Community Center on Hollister Avenue.
It is important that the masks be fitted correctly, said Dr. Elliot Schulman, director of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Instruction for proper fitting of the NIOSH N-95 masks will be included at the distribution sites. He added that it is the smaller, invisible smoke and ash particles that generally create problems for the lungs.
Supplies are limited, so the public is being asked to request only as many as they need, and only if they cannot avoid exposure to the smoke from the Jesusita Fire.