Air quality alert issued for Deschutes County Wednesday

An air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 10:07 a.m. in effect until Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. for Deschutes County.

“Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 10 a.m. Thursday. For the Air Quality Advisory, stagnant air conditions will trap smoke and other air pollutants near the ground where people breathe. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible,” states the weather service.

Air quality alerts: Recommendations from the weather service

When an air quality alert is in effect, following the weather service guidance is pivotal. Here are some simple tips from the weather service for safeguarding your well-being:

Retreat indoors whenever feasible:

If it’s within your means, stay indoors, especially if you have respiratory issues, health concerns, or fall within the senior or child demographics.

Minimize outdoor ventures:

When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is the name of the game.

Scale back pollution-inducing practices:

Be mindful of activities that increase pollution, like driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using motorized vehicles. Limit their usage during air quality alerts.

Banish open burning:

Refrain from igniting fires with debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. Such practices only contribute to the problem of poor air quality.

Stay informed:

Stay updated by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying informed helps you make wise choices regarding outdoor activities during air quality alerts.

Respiratory health matters:

If you grapple with respiratory issues or underlying health problems, exercise added caution. These conditions can render you more susceptible to the adverse effects of compromised air quality.

By adhering to the advice from the weather service, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts while reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay aware, stay protected, and make your health a top priority.