As we have seen all over the news, there are currently a large number of wildfires burning all over the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately, these wildfires are continuing to get bigger, they are lasting longer, and they are happening more often in Oregon and across the western United States. In addition to immediate harm from the fire itself, hazardous smoke travels well beyond the fire lines, putting people and businesses at risk. Many of our community members are being evacuated from their homes and left with the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
In an effort to do as much as we can to help protect our team and the communities we all love, we have pulled together as many resources as possible in the hopes that there might be something useful that will help alleviate some of the stress when trying to get help:
- Evacuation Zone Maps
- Evacuation Zones Map (constantly updated): http://www.oregon.gov/oem/emops/Pages/RAPTOR.aspx
- Clackamas County Wildfire Evacuation Zones: (Clackamas County only) http://ccgis-mapservice.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fe0525732f1a4f679b75a5ccf1c84b30&fbclid=IwAR01NskyYB-An94dvcZxKD0KOzzgUFtNLAftYVCWZkkeBf4g32MXX1wwcaQ
- Check-In Sites – Clackamas County: Currently there are 2 sites in Clackamas County which are listed at the link provided, there is also a lot of other useful information such as a Wildfire Evacuation Map, current list of active wildfires in Clackamas County and where they are located, evacuation levels and what each means, and more: http://www.clackamas.us/wildfires
- Clackamas County Fairgrounds: The fairgrounds are currently accepting livestock. Please call 503-266-1136 or 503-710-2030 for availability.
- Red Cross "Safe and Well" Check-In Site: This is an outstanding resource that allows you to check-in and let loved ones know you are okay. The site also gives you the ability to check on other family and friends: http://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php?fbclid=IwAR01NskyYB-An94dvcZxKD0KOzzgUFtNLAftYVCWZkkeBf4g32MXX1wwcaQ
- American Red Cross – Serving Oregon & NW Washington: This link is specific to the Red Cross in the Pacific Northwest. The information will be updated frequently, but the site already has a lot of local resources and local safe havens: http://www.redcross.org/local/oregon.html
- Oregon State Fairgrounds: The center is being used as a shelter for Marion County, where people can sleep on cots. There are also some supplies for people and pets like dog and cat food, diapers, and more. Livestock is also welcome. Across the street from the Exposition Center is another shelter set up by the Red Cross. An information line has been established at 503-391-7294.
- AirNow: This site gives Realtime Air Quality Reporting – Monitoring the potentially dangerous levels of smoke in the air, with recommendations for vulnerable segments of the population http://www.airnow.gov/.
Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality
Even if your home isn’t under an immediate threat, it is important to be extra aware of your indoor air quality as the smoke remains heavy throughout our area. Here are some quick tips for staying safe:
- Filter Checks: Check your filter every couple of days. If it shows debris build-up, replace it as soon as possible. **Note the MERV Ratings: The higher the rating, the fewer particles can pass through it. We recommend MERV 8 or higher. If you have a fresh air system, make sure to check and change out those filters as well.
- Keep Pollution Out: Keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible to keep the polluted air from entering your home.
- Clean Your Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC): Routine maintenance is crucial for proper performance and efficiency of your EAC. If you haven’t had your annual maintenance, get scheduled today by calling Pyramid at 503.783.8488.
- Invest in an Air Purifier: For long term options, Pyramid offers a number of options for improving your indoor air quality including the Carrier Air Purifier, Air Scrubber, Media Cabinets with 4” Filters and more.
- Text the Expert: If you have specific concerns about your indoor air quality that are not covered above, please feel free to text us at (831) 346-5955 and one of our experts will be happy to help.
Stay Safe, Stay Alert, and Be Kind – Remember, we are all in this together! #PyramidProud