On Wednesday at 9:10 a.m. an air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until Thursday at 9 a.m. for Summit, Jackson and Grand counties.

The NWS says to be ready for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”

“Widespread moderate to heavy smoke has been observed across the advisory area Wednesday morning. Additional heavy smoke is possible Wednesday afternoon for areas downwind of the wildfires in Rio Blanco County, possibly impacting along and north of Interstate 70 within the advisory area,” says 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:

Seek shelter indoors when possible:

If possible, remain indoors, especially if you have respiratory issues, other health concerns, or fall within 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.

Mitigate 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:

Resist the urge to burn debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. This practice only adds to the air pollution problem.

Stay well-informed:

Keep yourself informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news station. Staying in the know ensures that you can make informed decisions about outdoor activities during air quality alerts.

Respiratory health caution:

If you have respiratory problems or underlying health conditions, exercise extra caution. These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from poor air quality.

By adhering to the advice from the NWS, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts while reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay aware, stay protected, and make your health a top priority.

Source: The National Weather Service