Wildfire air quality precautions
July 15, 2024 Air Quality Update--Over the past 48 hours we have experienced significant fluctuations in air quality due to smoke from wildfires that continue to plague our great state.
This can pose serious health risk, especially to those with asthma, COPD and other chronic lung conditions, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, and older adults with decreased lung function. General health recommendations include staying indoors as much as possible, keeping windows and doors closed, using indoor air filters, and wearing masks as needed. Mask stations are available throughout the Sheridan VA Medical Center.
Additional information and recommendations can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/. Local air quality (“Air Quality Index”) can be followed at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Employees and Veteran residents are safe in the facility as the air filters in our medical center are rated at a level that is capable of removing smoke particles from the air.
However Veterans in the community are advised to take all necessary precautions during these times of poor air quality.
At this time, we are not able forecast when the air quality in our area is expected to improve. Please take appropriate measures to protect yourselves, your families and caregivers.
Marvin T. Miller MD
Associate Chief of Staff, Medicine
Andrea Henderson RN
Associate Director Patient Care Services