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Residents reentering their properties for the first time since the Aug. 8 wildfires should wear protective equipment, be cautious around debris and drink plenty of water, the state Department of Health advised.
With the first zone reopening to Lahaina residents on Monday and Tuesday, the Health Department issued guidance for residents, including:
• Reentering the impacted areas can be very difficult emotionally, and these feelings may occur in the moment or after the visit. Residents can seek help from behavioral health specialists stationed in the area or at the Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week and can be reached at (808) 495-5113. For after-hours mental health support, call Hawai'i CARES toll free at (800) 753-6879 or call/text 988.
• Bringing children on the initial visit is not recommended. This may help limit the traumatic impact on kids and give parents an opportunity to grieve and process the visit by themselves. Children and pregnant people are also at higher risk from debris hazards and should not enter the impacted area.
• Wearing and removing personal protective gear correctly, including face masks, goggles, work gloves, full-body coveralls, socks and shoes, including disposable shoe coverings, can help avoid contact with ash and protect from hazardous debris. Cloth masks will not protect from ash. Tight-fitting respirators or masks -- NIOSH or N95 -- are recommended. Afterwards, PPE should be put in trash bags and disposed of with regular trash. Washing hands after disposing of the worn PPE is highly recommended.
• Bringing an extra change of clothes and shoes is recommended to change into immediately after the visit. Residents should also bring trash bags to put their clothes in and wash them separately from regular laundry. They should also shower and wash their hair before coming in contact with high-risk groups like keiki, kupuna, pregnant people or those with respiratory issues.
• Bringing water to drink is also recommended, as it may be very hot. Risk of heat-related illness may be greater when wearing PPE, so drink lots of water and take regular breaks outside of the car to avoid contaminating the interior. However, residents should not eat in the impacted area and should keep water bottles away from ash and dust. Bring tissues or a small towel to wipe away tears and sweat.
Ash, dust and debris from burned homes may contain hazardous materials, and exposure to these toxins can cause cancer, respiratory problems and other health issues, the Health Department cautioned. These hazards are not free-floating in the air, but rather adhere to particulate matter such as dust and ash. Exposure can occur from direct contact with ash or dust through skin, eyes, nose or mouth by inhaling or ingestion. PPE is the best way to prevent exposure.
Optional PPE kits will be offered by nonprofits during the county's vehicle pass distribution at the Lahaina Civic Center over the weekend. Kits will include NIOSH-approved face masks, goggles, gloves, coveralls and disposable shoe covers.
Residents should choose a size that will fit over their nose and under their chin and seal tightly to their face. Any leakage around the edge may cause unfiltered air to enter and be inhaled.
For more information on DOH's response to the fires and guidance on reentry, visit health.hawaii.gov/mauiwildfires/.