On Friday at 9:10 a.m. an air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until Saturday at 9 a.m. for Montezuma and Dolores counties.
The NWS says to prepare for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”
“The Stoner Mesa fire in eastern Dolores County will create periods of moderate to heavy smoke on Friday within the advisory area. The heaviest smoke impacts will likely be in locations near the fire, including Rico and Dolores,” states 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:
Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic
Minimize outdoor exposure:
When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.
Scale back pollution-inducing practices:
Exercise prudence when it comes to activities that exacerbate pollution, such as driving cars, wielding gas-powered lawnmowers, or utilizing other motorized vehicles. Minimize their use during air quality alerts.
A no to open burning:
Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. This contributes to worsened air quality.
Stay well-informed:
Stay updated of developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news source. Being well-informed empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor pursuits 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.
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