On Monday at 5:10 p.m. the National Weather Service reported an air quality alert in effect until 10 p.m. for El Paso County.

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

“Ozone is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Monday,” describes 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:

When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.

Reduce pollution contributors:

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.

Banish 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 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