A local fire in Anaheim Hills is creating a very different type of day at the Disneyland Resort. The light has a sepia look to it. Ashes are falling from the sky. The smoke is filling the air and making breathing conditions less than ideal. Despite the smoke, people are continuing to visit the Disneyland Resort.
If you choose to be at the Disneyland Resort on a smokey day like today, make sure and protect yourself! Here are a few tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable day at Disneyland on a smokey day.
Protect Yourself
They may not be the most glamorous but wear a mask. The N95 or P100 respirator mask is suggested. Surprisingly enough, a paper or surgical mask is not nearly as effective as you would hope. Cover yourself as much as possible and so that you are not inhaling the smoke that is in the air. The particles that are in the smoke can cause health issues that range from eye and lung irritation to asthma to much worse. Avoiding smoke should be made a top priority for insuring a fun and safe day at the Disneyland Resort. Wearing loose and light colored clothing is also a good idea.
Stay Inside as Much as Possible
Continuing on with the avoidance of smoke theme, try to stay inside as much as possible. Some attractions do have indoor queues. Others are longer and offer more time out of the smokey conditions. The goal when choosing these attractions or experiences is to stay out of the smoke as much as possible.
Don’t Overdo It
Don’t try to do everything. While in general exercise is good, and walking around Disneyland is definitely exercise, when the conditions are smokey and the air isn’t clean, this can be a bad combination. If you have respiratory issues like asthma or allergies, be even more careful. Also make sure and bring your medication with you.
Watch For Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
Quite often when there are wildfires near the Disneyland Resort the heat will be warmer as well. Make sure to watch for the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include confusion, weakness, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, dark urine, headache, nausea, sweating and cramps. If these symptoms occur, make sure to to rest and hydrate. If they are severe, talk to a cast member and they will call a medic. A good rule of thumb is to proactively stay hydrated and avoid getting overheated in the first place.
Be Smart
While going to Disneyland is always a magical experience, if you have the chance, think through whether it really is a good idea to be out in the smoke. As the CDC says, the best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors in a clean environment. If it is better air quality in your home or hotel, it might be a smart idea to just stay inside and protect yourself.
While the Disneyland Resort is one of the safest places on Earth, natural events like wildfires can influence a day at the park. This doesn’t happen that often but when it does, it is best to be prepared and to be safe!
Do you have any other tips for staying safe in smokey conditions at the Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments below.
