On Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. an updated air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until Wednesday at 9 a.m. for Colorado.
The NWS informs, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”
“Areas of moderate to heavy smoke from out-of-state wildfires will be possible across Colorado through at least Wednesday morning,” describes the NWS.
The full list of affected locations includes:
• Fremont County
• El Paso County
• Conejos County
• Alamosa County
• Otero County
• Crowley County
• Pueblo County
• Saguache County
• Baca County
• Kiowa County
• Bent County
• Teller County
• Lake County
• Rio Grande County
• Costilla County
• Mineral County
• Las Animas County
• Prowers County
• Custer County
• Huerfano County
• Chaffee County
Air quality alerts: Recommendations 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:
Prioritize indoor stay:
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 you can’t avoid going outdoors, keep outdoor activities to the bare essentials. Reducing your time outdoors is the key.
Mitigate pollution sources:
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:
Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. This contributes to worsened air quality.
Stay informed:
Stay updated of developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news source. Being well-informed empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor pursuits during air quality alerts.
Prioritize respiratory health:
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.
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