The National Weather Service reported an air quality alert at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 10 p.m. for La Plata and Archuleta counties.

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

“Ozone concentrations in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category are likely within the advisory area Saturday afternoon and evening,” says 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 to essentials:

When you can’t avoid going outdoors, keep outdoor activities to the bare essentials. Reducing your time outdoors is the key.

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.

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:

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.

Focus on respiratory health:

If you grapple with respiratory issues or underlying health problems, exercise added caution. These conditions can render you more susceptible to the adverse effects of compromised 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