On Thursday at 4:42 p.m. an air quality alert was issued valid until 8 p.m.

“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is forecasting a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, until 8 p.m. this evening. The Air Quality Index indicates that Ground Level Ozone will be at the Orange level, which means Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected,” according to the National Weather Service.

Air quality Alerts: NWS prescribes safety measures

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:

Prioritize indoor stay:

Whenever possible, seek refuge indoors, especially if you grapple with respiratory concerns, health issues, or belong to the senior or child demographic

Trim outdoor activities:

When venturing outside is unavoidable, restrict your time outdoors solely to essential activities. Reducing exposure is paramount.

Cut back on pollution-inducing activities:

Be mindful of activities that increase pollution, like driving cars, operating gas-powered lawnmowers, or using motorized vehicles. Limit their usage during air quality alerts.

No open burning:

Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. Such practices only contribute to heightened air pollution.

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 caution:

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.

Following the recommendations from the NWS helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and make your health the top priority.

Source: The National Weather Service