Many factors influence a person’s susceptibility to smoke, including severity and duration of smoke exposure and a person’s health. If you feel impacted by smoke, avoid outdoor physical exertion and remain indoors. Contact your medical provider if you experience serious health problems caused by smoke. For more information about smoke and health, please review the resources below.
When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may have symptoms or health problems. The best thing to do is to limit your exposure to smoke.
Depending on your situation, a combination of the strategies below may work best and give you the most protection from wildfire smoke.
Several types of air cleaners can help protect these sensitive groups from the health effects of these particles. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters help remove these particles from the air. Electro-static precipitator (ESP) filters can also trap these particles so you don’t have to breathe them.
Deschutes County Health Services Department has more resources about indoor air quality on their website.
Check the local Air Quality Index (AQI) online and do a visual inspection outside. Compare the AQI and visibility test to determine the air conditions in your community. Then, use the guide below to determine activity level for your students
Following new air quality alerts released from the Oregon DEQ, and after further discussions with the Oregon Health Authority and OSAA medical advisors, the OSAA updated its recommendations to schools regarding air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range.
