An updated air quality alert was reported by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 4:11 p.m. in effect until Monday at 9 a.m. for Pitkin, Gunnison, Rio Blanco, Eagle and Garfield counties.

The NWS says 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,” explains the NWS.

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

Curb outdoor exposure:

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:

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 no to 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 well-informed:

Stay updated of developments by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news source. Being well-informed empowers you to make informed decisions regarding outdoor pursuits 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 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