An updated air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 9:10 a.m. in effect until Thursday at 9 a.m. for Southwest Colorado.

The NWS says to be ready for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”

“The Stoner Mesa fire in eastern Dolores County will create periods of moderate to heavy smoke on Wednesday and Thursday within the advisory area. The heaviest smoke impacts will likely be in eastern Dolores and northern Montezuma counties within close vicinity of the fire during the overnight and early morning hours, including the communities of Rico and Dolores,” adds the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• San Miguel County

• Hinsdale County

• San Juan County

• Montezuma County

• Dolores County

• Ouray County

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:

Prioritize indoor stay:

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

Curb outdoor exposure:

When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is the name of the game.

Tackle 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.

Banish 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 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