On Sunday at 4:10 p.m. an updated air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service in effect until Monday at 4 p.m. for Gilpin, Clear Creek, Summit and Grand counties.
The NWS adds to prepare for, “Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke.”
“Smoke from large wildfires in Rio Blanco is impacting a large area of central Colorado. Periods of moderate to heavy smoke are possible throughout the advisory area on Sunday and Monday,” comments the NWS.
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:
Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic
Curb outdoor exposure:
When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.
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.
No 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 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