Crook County Oregon
Crook
County Courthouse w 300 NE 3rd Street
Prineville,
Oregon 97754
Phone: (541) 447-6555 Fax: (541) 416-3891
Thursday,
August 03, 2017
Media Release - For Immediate
Distribution
Smoky Air and extreme
heat could cause Health Problems
County public health officials want
to remind people across the state to take precautions as smoke from multiple wildfires
around Oregon and Washington affects the air quality. The combination of high temperatures and
wildfire smoke around the area may increase the risk of illness especially for
older adults, young children, and people with asthma, respiratory, or heart
conditions.
Public health officials urge all
residents to take the following precautions to avoid health problems during
hot, smoky conditions.
o
Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. This can usually provide
some protection, especially in a tightly closed, air-conditioned house in which
the air conditioner can be set to re-circulate air instead of bringing in
outdoor air.
o
Reduce the amount of time engaged in vigorous outdoor physical
activity. This can be an important and effective strategy to decrease exposure to inhaled air pollutants and minimize health risks during a
smoke event.
o
Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution such as burning
cigarettes and candles; using gas, propane, and wood burning stoves and
furnaces; cooking; and vacuuming.
o
Individuals with heart disease or lung diseases such as asthma
should follow their health care providers’ advice about prevention and
treatment of symptoms.
Also things to consider:
·
Remember to stay hydrated. Drink between 2-4 cups of water per hour if
working outdoors.
·
Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or more 10 minutes
before going out; re-apply every two hours.
·
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
·
Take cool showers to lower your body
temperature.
·
Never leave infants, children, or pets in a
parked car.
·
Always wear a life jacket if you are on the
water. Remember to be safe around water.
·
Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors.
·
Know symptoms of Heat Exhaustion (heavy sweating,
weakness, pale and clammy, fainting and vomiting).
·
Know symptoms of Heat Stroke (high body
temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse) and call for help.
For air quality advisories from
the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, visit: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/index.aspx
From the Oregon Health Authority:
·
Local public health agencies can access the Oregon Public Health
Division “Crisis and Emergency Communication Toolkit for Extreme Heat”:
·
OHA’s Extreme Heat webpage with FAQs, signs and symptoms of heat
related illness as well as information for special populations: https://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/Prepare/Pages/PrepareforExtremeHeat.aspx
From CDC:
·
Heat information and the tools for specific audiences, including
people aged 65 and older, infants and children, people with chronic medical
conditions, low income, outdoor workers, and athletes. Documents are also
available in Spanish:
Additional Resources on Extreme Heat:
For more information please
contact:
Vicky Ryan
Crook County Public Information
Officer
Crook County Health and Human
Services / Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
541-233-8504 – Work Cell