On Saturday at 3:23 p.m. the National Weather Service reported an air quality alert in effect until Sunday at 9 p.m. for Western El Paso County and Eastern/Central El Paso County.

“The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the El Paso Area, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday,” states 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:

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

Curb outdoor exposure:

When you can’t avoid going outdoors, keep outdoor activities to the bare essentials. Reducing your time outdoors is the key.

Scale back pollution-inducing practices:

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.

Banish 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.

Prioritize respiratory health:

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.

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