Press Release
Sheriff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Air Quality Recommendations

Kittitas County, WA - 09/05/2017 - The Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center has received and supports a recommendation from the Kittitas County Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson with respect to air quality. The EOC strongly encourages adherence by all residents and organizations, especially those involving youth activities, to the following recommendations.

Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) recommends outdoor activities be cancelled during times when air quality is “very unhealthy” or “hazardous”.  If possible, move the activity indoors or to a location with good or moderate air quality.  This is especially important for people with asthma, respiratory infections, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or people who have had a stroke; and infants, children, older adults, and pregnant women. 

• Please continuously check current air quality conditions.  Air monitoring can be seen on the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) air monitoring site: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/.  If you are unable to access this website, air quality information can also be accessed using the AirNow site at https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main or by using the visibility range graph attached.
• When considering outdoor activities for children and youth, please use the Washington State Department of Health handout “Air Pollution and School Activities” found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/334-332.pdf and attached. 
• For all populations, please refer to the Washington State Department of Ecology handout “Washington Air Quality Advisory for Smoke and Other Fine Particle Air Pollution” found at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/0802022.pdf and attached.

When “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality conditions exist, everyone should stay indoors as much as possible and only engage in light activities.  Masks are available for people who must go outside at the Kittitas County Public Health Department, Putnum Centennial Center in Cle Elum, CWU SURC, and the Ellensburg Senior Center. 

• EOC recommendations 9.5.17.doc

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Jill Beedle, Public Information Officer
509-933-8308