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

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

“Widespread moderate to heavy smoke has been observed across the advisory area Wednesday morning. Additional heavy smoke is possible Wednesday afternoon for areas downwind of the wildfires in Rio Blanco County, possibly impacting along and north of Interstate 70 within the advisory area,” adds the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Routt County

• Rio Blanco County

• Montrose County

• Gunnison County

• Garfield County

• Delta County

• Mesa County

• Eagle County

Guidance for air quality alerts: Insights from the NWS

When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial. These alerts, issued by the NWS, come with straightforward yet essential guidance to ensure your safety:

Retreat indoors whenever feasible:

If you can, take refuge indoors, especially if you have respiratory concerns, underlying health conditions, or belong to 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.

Cut back on pollution-inducing activities:

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:

Stay updated by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying informed helps you make wise choices regarding outdoor activities 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 advice from the NWS, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts while reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay aware, stay protected, and make your health a top priority.

Source: The National Weather Service