CONTACT: Angie Gerrard, RN, BSN
Malheur County Health Department
Phone: 541-(889)-7279
Wildfire Smoke Inhalation Prevention
Information
Ontario, Oregon – County health officials are offering
information about steps local residents can take to avoid illness from wildfire
smoke inhalation.
People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly,
pregnant women, and children, are advised to stay indoors. Poor air quality
conditions are a health threat and should be avoided by all residents in smoky
communities. Local smoke levels may rise and fall rapidly depending on weather
factors, including wind direction.
Take the following precautions to avoid breathing problems
or other symptoms from smoke:
• Be
aware of smoke concentrations in your area. Go to the Idaho Smoke blog:
• Avoid
outdoor exertion during such conditions. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
including sports practice, work, and recreation.
• Drink
lots of water - staying hydrated can keep your airways moist which will help
reduce symptoms of respiratory irritation such as scratchy throat, running nose,
and coughing.
• Try to
avoid driving in smoky areas. If you do need to drive in these areas, keep your
windows rolled up and vents closed. If you need air conditioning, make sure you
set your system on “re-circulate” to avoid bringing smoke into your car.
• Avoid
smoke by staying indoors, closing all windows and doors and use a filter in
your
heating/cooling system that removes very fine particulate matter.
• People
with concerns about health issues, including those suffering from asthma or
other
respiratory problems, should follow their breathing management plans;
keep medications on
hand, and contact healthcare providers if necessary.
For more information:
Public health and wildfire smoke FAQs (English)http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/Prepare/Documents/OHA_2014_WilfireFAQs.pdf
Idaho Smoke blog, for the latest on wildfire smoke and air
quality updates across the state: http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/
Oregon Smoke blog, for the latest on wildfire smoke and
air quality updates across the state: