At 3:08 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service reported an updated air quality alert in effect until Friday at midnight. The alert is for Northern Westchester, Southern Westchester, Richmond (Staten Is.), Kings (Brooklyn), Northwest Suffolk, Northeast Suffolk, Southwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Northern Queens, Northern Nassau, Southern Queens and Southern Nassau as well as Rockland, New York (Manhattan) and Bronx counties.
“The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties: New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland until midnight Thursday night. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Fine Particulates. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5,” 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:
Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic
Minimize outdoor ventures:
When you can’t avoid going outdoors, keep outdoor activities to the bare essentials. Reducing your time outdoors is the key.
Cut back on pollution-inducing activities:
Be mindful of activities that exacerbate pollution, such as driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using other motorized vehicles. Limit their use during air quality alerts.
A ban on 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 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 issues or health problems, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor 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
