On Wednesday at 11:10 p.m. the National Weather Service reported an air quality alert in effect until Thursday at 9 a.m. for Yuma and Kit Carson counties.

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

“Smoke from multiple wildfires will impact eastern portions of Yuma and Kit Carson counties Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Moderate to heavy smoke is expected in areas downwind of these fires, including along Highway 385 south of Wray and along I-70 near Burlington,” explains the NWS.

Guidance for air quality alerts: Insights from the NWS

When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial. These alerts, issued by the NWS, come with straightforward yet essential guidance to ensure your safety:

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:

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

Scale back pollution-inducing practices:

Be mindful of activities that increase pollution, like driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using motorized vehicles. Limit their usage 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 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.

Prioritize respiratory health:

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