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Emergency Alert Issued at Disney: Guests Warned of Imminent Health Threat

A well-maintained vintage train station building, part of Disneyland, adorned with red, white, and blue bunting and American flags. The structure has a clock tower, ornate architectural details, and is surrounded by greenery and trees under a clear sky. Legend has it; even Disney squatters adore this iconic gem.
Credit: kaleb tapp on Unsplash

Guests of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, were met with an alarming alert earlier this week. The thousands of guests planning to enjoy their Disney theme park days were suddenly shocked to learn of a potential risk that could be meeting them outside.

An air quality alert was issued for Anaheim on September 10 at 3:47 p.m. PDT in response to multiple wildfires in the region, impacting air quality across Southern California. The wildfire season in Anaheim, California, has been particularly severe this year, with several blazes igniting across the region and significantly impacting air quality.

Related: Horrified Crowds Watch as ‘Minnie Mouse’ Removes Her Head to Smoke Cigarette

Disneyland Resort

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Wildfire Season Threatens Disney Park Vacations

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) extended the air quality alert due to elevated levels of fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke. The alert is set to remain in effect through Wednesday, September 11.

Additionally, the South Coast AQMD has issued a separate alert for increased particle pollution from blowing dust in the Banning Pass and Coachella Valley areas, which will be in place until 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 12.

The alert emphasizes that exposure to particle pollution can lead to serious health issues, including aggravation of existing lung diseases, asthma attacks, acute bronchitis, and heightened risk of respiratory infections.

Individuals with heart or lung conditions, older adults, and children are particularly vulnerable and are advised to minimize exposure, avoid strenuous activities, and follow medical guidance during periods of poor air quality.

A young couple, seen from behind, holds hands as they walk towards the entrance of California Adventure. Both are wearing backpacks and summer clothing. Other visitors, some sipping on drinks, are visible in the background, creating a lively and busy atmosphere reminiscent of drinking at Disney.

Credit: Vince Fleming on Unsplash

Disneyland Guests Warned of Potential Risks

Many guests have grown concerned as to whether or not this air quality alert will affect or detour their Disneyland Resort vacation. Despite the alert, the AQI today was in the 40-50’s, meaning it was considered a “good” day for air quality.

This is likely due to the flow of wind, which has pushed the smoke from west to east, away from the Disneyland Resort. However, this wind pattern could change at a moment’s notice. The full National Weather Service alert says:

“The South Coast AQMD has extended an air quality alert due to increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke in the region. The air quality alert for wildfire smoke is in effect Tuesday and Wednesday. The South Coast AQMD has also issued an air quality alert due to increased particle pollution from blowing dust in Banning Pass and Coachella Valley. The air quality alert for dust is in effect until 8 AM Thursday.

If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible. Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling. If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a tightly-fitted N-95 or P- 100 respirator to help reduce exposure. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment.

Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor’s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate.

Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on fire behavior and local weather conditions.

In areas directly impacted by high levels of windblown dust, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity. Run your air conditioner or an air purifier. If temperatures allow, avoid using whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air.

Exposure to high particle pollution levels can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of respiratory infections. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor’s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart disease should avoid prolonged exposure and strenuous activities when particle pollution levels are high.

To help minimize outdoor particle pollution levels:

* Carpool, telecommute, reduce trips, or take public transportation

* Slow down if driving on dirt roads

* Stabilize loose soils

Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on wind conditions.”

Air quality today?
byu/coopcoopcoopcoop inDisneyland

For Disneyland Resort guests, while current air quality has notably improved and outdoor enjoyment is considered safe, it remains important to stay informed and adhere to any health advisories. Visitors are encouraged to monitor their own comfort levels and seek indoor activities if needed, especially if they experience any symptoms related to air pollution.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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