The National Weather Service reported an air quality alert at 1:59 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until Thursday at 6 p.m. The alert is for North Fulton and South Fulton as well as Dawson, Bartow, Cherokee, Forsyth, Hall, Paulding, Cobb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Carroll, Douglas, DeKalb, Rockdale, Walton, Newton, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Spalding, Henry and Pike counties.

“The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (Unhealthy for sensitive groups) Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for Thursday September 17. Under Code Orange conditions, the outdoor air quality is likely to be unhealthy for some people. Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest,” 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:

Retreat indoors whenever feasible:

If it’s within your means, stay indoors, especially if you have respiratory issues, health concerns, or fall within the senior or child demographics.

Minimize outdoor ventures:

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

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.

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