An updated air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 9:11 a.m. in effect until Wednesday at 9 a.m. for the Western Slope.

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

“Multiple wildfires will produce periods of moderate to heavy smoke across the advisory area through early Wednesday morning. The heaviest smoke impacts will likely be in close proximity to the South Rim fire in eastern Montrose County, the Sowbelly Fire and Turner Gulch fires in southern Mesa County, and areas directly downwind of the Deer Creek fire in Montrose and San Miguel counties,” says the NWS.

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Gunnison County

• Delta County

• Hinsdale County

• San Juan County

• Ouray County

• San Miguel County

• Montrose County

• Mesa 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:

Seek shelter indoors when possible:

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

Trim outdoor activities:

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.

Banish open burning:

Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts. This contributes to worsened air quality.

Stay informed:

Keep yourself well-informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news outlet. Staying in the loop empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor engagements during air quality alerts.

Focus on 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