The National Weather Service reported an updated air quality alert at 4:11 p.m. on Friday in effect until Saturday at 9 a.m. for Rio Grande, Conejos, Mineral and Saguache counties.

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

“Multiple wildfires across the region will produce moderate to heavy smoke through at least early Saturday morning,” comments the NWS.

Air quality alerts: Recommendations 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:

Prioritize indoor stay:

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 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 conscious of activities that contribute to pollution, such as driving cars, using gas-powered lawnmowers, or relying on motorized vehicles. Curtail their use during air quality alerts.

A ban on 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 well-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.

Respiratory health matters:

If you have respiratory problems or underlying health conditions, exercise extra caution. These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from 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