On Thursday at 9:11 a.m. an air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until Friday at 9 a.m. for Eagle, Routt, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.

The NWS states to prepare for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”

“Widespread moderate to heavy smoke has been observed across much of the advisory area Thursday morning. Additional heavy smoke is possible Thursday afternoon and evening, and into Friday morning, for areas downwind of the wildfires in Rio Blanco County. Smoke impacts may shift northward on Thursday, impacting areas along and north of Interstate 70 within the advisory area,” comments 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 possible, remain indoors, especially if you have respiratory issues, other health concerns, or fall within the senior or child demographics.

Minimize outdoor ventures:

When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is the name of the game.

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.

No 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 informed:

Keep yourself well-informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying in the loop empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor engagements during air quality alerts.

Respiratory health matters:

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