Frequently Asked Questions

Take precautions at the appropriate Air Quality Index (AQI) level if you are in a sensitive group:

• Children (PDF) should take precautions and limit outdoor activities (PDF)
• Recommendations for pregnant or nursing mothers (PDF)
• Older adults and people with pre-existing conditions

• Limit your exposure to smoke (PDF). Pay attention to local air quality reports online with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and take extra safety measures such as avoiding spending time outdoors.
• Avoid anything that increases indoor pollution (PDF) like candles or vacuuming
• Close windows and doors.
• Run a standalone, High Efficacy Particulate Air (HEPA) grade indoor air purifier. They come in many sizes, so choose one right for at least one room where you spend the most time, or get more than one. You can always move it from a bedroom at night to a living space during the day.
• Run an air conditioner if you have one. Keep any fresh-air intake closed (many systems do not have one) and the filter clean. You can use a high-efficiency filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13 rating (PDF). Consult a local heating and air conditioning company to see if your system can handle a high efficiency filter like MERV 13. Air purifiers and filters can be purchased at your local hardware store or online.
• Fine particles, but not hazardous gases, can be filtered with an N95 or N100 (PDF) face mask. Please do not wear an N95 mask with one-way valves around other people. Exhaled air is not filtered in these masks and does not reduce COVID spread to others.
• Ensure a tight fit and check how long your mask is effective (PDF). Bandanas and paper dust masks are ineffective and only trap large particles.
• Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation. Before you travel to a park or forest, check to see if any wildfires are happening or if any prescribed burns are planned.
• Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.