NWS Medford Has Issued An Air Quality Alert for portions of our area:
AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR NORTHEAST JACKSON COUNTY…
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory for northeast Jackson county…in effect through Friday afternoon.
Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions levels will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy.
* WHAT…High concentration of smoke particulates from the numerous wildfires in the area.
* WHERE…Northeast Jackson County, including Butte Falls, Shady Cove, and Eagle Point. Smoke may affect other parts of Jackson county at times, but the worst air quality will be in northeast Jackson county.
* WHEN…Through Friday Afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Smoke can irritate the eyes, lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk to adverse health effects include infants, young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQs Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
Things you can do to protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
* Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
* Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
* Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers.
* Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
* If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare providers advice.
For additional information…please visit the web site at https://www.oregon.gov/deq
