National Weather Service Warns Of Poor Air Quality In Oregon

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of poor air quality due to wildfires burning in Oregon...

Photo byFire Fighters tackling a blaze

The National Weather Service has warned of poor air quality due to wildfires burning in Oregon. It's also worth noting that an air quality advisory is currently in effect until 5 AM PDT on Thursday for Brookings, Harbor, Gold Beach, Nesika Beach, Ophir, Pistol River, Medford, Ashland, Howard Prairie, Siskiyou Summit, Grants Pass, Merlin, and Wilderville.

"The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality expects intermittent smoke from wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted weather conditions," per The National Weather Service. "This will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels."

"Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather," the NWS continued. "People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people."

The Oregon Health Authority recommends keeping windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. "Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Running a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or an electro-static precipitator (ESP) can also help you keep your indoor air clean. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere."

The Oregon Health A, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identificationd to evacuate at short ,notice due to wildfires:

• An emergency food and water supply.
• Safety and personal items, including a face covering and hand sanitizer.
• Emergency power sources for medical devices and flashlights (don't forget extra batteries).
• An emergency medicine supply. Make a plan to keep medications that need refrigeration cold.
• Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports and personal identification.

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