On Saturday at 2:10 p.m. an air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until 8 p.m. for El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo and Teller counties.

The NWS informs, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Ozone.”

“An intrusion of ozone from high in the atmosphere may result in ozone concentrations reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category within the advisory area Saturday afternoon and evening. Ozone levels should gradually decrease Saturday evening,” explains the NWS.

Air quality alerts: Recommendations 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:

Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic

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.

Cut back on pollution-inducing activities:

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:

Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. This contributes to worsened air quality.

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 recommendations from the NWS, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts and reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health above all else.

Source: The National Weather Service