While air quality conditions have improved somewhat today, Friday, July 17, forecasts continue to indicate that hazardous air quality will continue throughout the weekend as wildfire smoke remains present across the region.

To provide residents with access to cleaner indoor air, the Cook County Public Health & Human Services Air Quality Shelter at the Cook County YMCA will remain open:

• Saturday, July 18: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 19: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The shelter is available to anyone seeking relief from wildfire smoke, especially older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. N95 respirator masks will also be available at the shelter while supplies last.

As wildfire season continues, remember that the health effects of wildfire smoke are cumulative. Even short periods of repeated exposure to smoke increase health risks. Reducing smoke exposure whenever possible remains one of the best ways to protect your health. 

Cook County Public Health & Human Services encourages residents to prepare their homes. This may include:

• Creating a clean air room in your home by keeping windows and doors closed during smoke events and using a portable HEPA air cleaner if available.
• Building a low-cost DIY air cleaner using a box fan and a MERV-13 filter if a portable air cleaner is not available. These can help reduce fine smoke particles indoors when built and used correctly. Find more information at- https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-08/DIY%20Air%20Purifier%20Infographic_508%20Compliant.pdf
• Replace your home's HVAC filter regularly and use a MERV-13 filter, or the highest-rated filter your system can safely accommodate. Set your system to re-circulate indoor air during smoke events.
• Keep extra furnace filters, masks, medications, and other essential supplies available before conditions worsen.
• Sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts: https://cookcountymn.gov/government/departments/sheriff/codered.php
• Become familiar with your evacuation zone: https://cookcountymn.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2f0cb0740663455e9fe5c47b7fdb2379
• Monitor air quality conditions using AirNow.gov or the AirNow mobile app and limit outdoor activity when air quality reaches unhealthy or hazardous levels.

If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, call 911 and seek emergency medical care.

More information about preparing for wildfire smoke, improving indoor air quality, and creating a cleaner-air room at home is available on the Cook County Public Health Wildfire Smoke Readiness webpage.