The week of June 13 is Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Week

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Wildfire smoke has become a routine summer visitor to Southern Oregon in recent years. Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) and other regional agencies are encouraging people to be prepared for wildfire smoke in the days and weeks ahead.

Below are some tips for getting through the wildfire smoke season.

First, know where to get a good reading on local air quality. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality updates air quality numbers every hour at https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map. 

Also, stay indoors as much as possible. Keep out of the smoke as much as possible. Keep the air indoors as unpolluted as possible.

Limit vigorous physical activity when the air quality is poor. This includes running, biking, physical labor, and sports.

Know where in the community to find cleaner air spaces by visiting https://www.klamathcounty.org/1142/Cleaner-air-spaces. 

Keep indoor air clean. Close windows and doors as much as possible. Use an air cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if possible. Use fans or an air conditioner (AC) when it's hot, if possible. Set your AC to recirculate. If you aren't able to leave and it's too hot, it's better to open the windows for a short time to cool the indoor space than to overheat.

Don't pollute the indoor air. Don't smoke, use candles, or vacuum. Avoid frying and broiling when cooking indoors.

Consider getting an air purifier. Air purifiers with a HEPA filter will reduce the number of irritating fine particles in indoor air. A HEPA filter with charcoal will help remove some of the gases from the smoke. Do not use an air purifier that produces ozone. 

If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, make sure you have an inhaler or other medications that you might need. Make an asthma management plan with your healthcare provider.

Make plans for indoor activities for kids on smoky days. Consider what your children can do if they need to stay indoors when smoke levels are "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or worse.

Schools, camps, sports teams, and daycare providers should make plans for smoky days. Plan to postpone outdoor activities or move them indoors when smoke levels are "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or worse. 

The right mask and proper fit can reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, but they don't work for everyone. N95 respirators and KN95 masks offer good protection, consult your medical provider for the best advice.