Breathing Easy: What You Need to Know About the Air Quality Alert

The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for several areas in Southern California. This alert covers the Orange County Coast, Orange County, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys, Riverside County Mountains, and San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning. It is in effect until Sunday, December 14, at 1:15 p. m. The alert is due to high levels of fine particle pollution. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended a mandatory wood-burning ban. This means no burning wood, pellets, or manufactured fire logs in any indoor or outdoor wood-burning devices. Why is this important? Fine particles in smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs. This can cause health problems, including asthma attacks. It can also lead to increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The alert is based on forecasted fine particle pollution levels for a 24-hour period. This might not be reflected in real-time air quality maps. To stay safe, run your air conditioner or an air purifier. Avoid using devices that bring in outside air, like swamp coolers or whole house fans, if you have other ways to stay cool. When an air quality alert is issued, it's important to understand what it means. The National Weather Service provides straightforward guidance to help you stay safe. Here are some tips: Seek shelter indoors whenever possible, especially if you have respiratory concerns or health issues. Also, if you are a senior or have children, it's important to stay indoors. Minimize outdoor activities. If you must go outside, keep it brief. Reduce your time outdoors as much as possible. Be mindful of activities that contribute to pollution. Limit the use of cars, gas-powered lawnmowers, and other motorized vehicles during air quality alerts. Avoid burning debris or any other materials. This can worsen air quality. Stay informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news station. This will help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities during air quality alerts. If you have respiratory problems or underlying health conditions, exercise extra caution. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. By following these tips, you can enhance your safety during air quality alerts. You can also reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. Stay aware, stay protected, and make your health a top priority.