Smoky Conditions Worsen

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Posted on 08/21/2018

With air quality expected to decline this week, Lane County Public Health advises residents to take special considerations:

Individuals who have preexisting lung conditions or who are very young or very old are advised to stay indoors if possible and close windows and doors.
During periods of poor air quality, everyone is encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
People exposed to smoky conditions and who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.
Use high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters) or electrostatic precipitator filters (ESP filters) if you can. These can help clean indoor air.

The most effective way people can protect themselves is to limit exposure by staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities.

People who must be outdoors may be considering the use of masks to help protect their lungs from wildfire smoke. Masks can create a false sense of security if not properly selected, fitted and used. Here are a few things you should know if you are considering the use of a mask:

Surgical masks and bandanas don’t filter the fine smoke particles that can affect your health.
The type of masks that may offer protection are those with a specific type of respirator (P100 or N95). These respirators are not designed for children and are not made in children’s sizes.
Anyone choosing to wear a P100 or N95 respirator should receive a professional fit-test to ensure its effectiveness. If the respirator does not fit correctly or does not have a good seal, people may think they are protected when they are not. This false sense of security may lead to people taking on activities that continue to expose them to smoke.

Below is a list of spaces that offer public access to cleaner air, listed by city.

Eugene

Libraries

The Downtown Library (100 West 10th Ave.)
M-Th: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
F-Sun: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Bethel Branch Library (1990 Echo Hollow Rd.) and Sheldon Branch Library (1566 Coburg Rd.)
Tues.: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
M, W, Th, F & Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays: Closed

Community Centers

The City operates five community centers that are air-conditioned. The hours of operation and locations of those centers are:

Amazon Center (2700 Hilyard St.) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
Campbell Center (155 High St.) 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., M, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., T-F
Hilyard Center (2580 Hilyard St.) 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., M-F
Petersen Barn Center (870 Berntzen Rd.) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
River House Center (301 N. Adams St.) Noon - 4 p.m., M-F

Springfield

Springfield Public Library
Monday & Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Address: 225 Fifth St.
Springfield, OR 97477

Bob Keefer Center
Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 250 S. 32nd St. Springfield, OR 97478

Willamalane Adult Activity Center
Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Address: 215 W. C St., Springfield, OR 97477

Creswell

New Hope Baptist Church
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Address: 597 S. Front St., Creswell, OR 97426

Creswell Library
Monday & Friday, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 64 W Oregon Ave, Creswell, OR 97426

Junction City

Junction City Public Library
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Address: 726 Greenwood, Junction City, OR 97448

Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove Community Center
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Address: 700 E. Gibbs Ave, Cottage Grove, OR 97424

Cottage Grove Public Library
Mon-Tues, 10:00 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Weds-Sat, 10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Address: 700 E. Gibbs Ave, Cottage Grove, OR 97424