On Monday at 5:10 p.m. an updated air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until Tuesday at 9 a.m. for Gunnison, Rio Blanco, Eagle, Pitkin and Garfield counties.
The NWS states to be ready for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”
“Smoke from large wildfires in Rio Blanco County is impacting a large area of western and central Colorado. Periods of moderate to heavy smoke are possible throughout the advisory area on Monday and Tuesday,” explains the NWS.
Guidance for air quality alerts: Insights from the NWS
When an air quality alert is in effect, following the NWS guidance is pivotal. Here are some simple tips from the NWS for safeguarding your well-being:
Retreat indoors whenever feasible:
If you can, take refuge indoors, especially if you have respiratory concerns, underlying health conditions, or belong to the senior or child demographics.
Trim outdoor activities to essentials:
When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.
Tackle pollution sources:
Be conscious of activities that contribute to pollution, such as driving cars, using gas-powered lawnmowers, or relying on motorized vehicles. Curtail their use during air quality alerts.
A ban on open burning:
Refrain from igniting fires with debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. Such practices only contribute to the problem of poor air quality.
Stay informed:
Stay updated by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying informed helps you make wise choices regarding outdoor activities during air quality alerts.
Respiratory health caution:
If you have respiratory issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.
Following the recommendations from the NWS helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and make your health the top priority.
Source: The National Weather Service