Update: Air quality alert in effect for 7 N.J. counties until Wednesday morning
An updated air quality alert was issued in effect until Wednesday at 10 a.m. for Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Mercer counties.
“The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ground Level Ozone, until 11 p.m. this evening,” states the National Weather Service.
When an air quality alert is in effect, following the weather service guidance is pivotal. Here are some simple tips for safeguarding your well-being during these alerts:
1. **Seek shelter indoors when possible**:
If possible, remain indoors, especially if you have respiratory issues, other health concerns, or fall within the senior or child demographics.
2. **Curb outdoor exposure**:
When venturing outside becomes unavoidable, limit your outdoor exposure strictly to essential tasks. Reducing your time outdoors is crucial.
3. **Mitigate pollution sources**:
Exercise prudence when it comes to activities that exacerbate pollution, such as driving cars or using gas-powered equipment. Minimize their use during air quality alerts.
4. **A ban on open burning**:
Avoid burning debris or any other materials during air quality alerts, as this contributes to worsened air quality.
5. **Stay informed**:
Keep yourself informed by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred weather news station. Being aware of the air quality conditions helps you make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
6. **Focus on respiratory health**:
If you have respiratory issues or health problems, take extra precautions. These conditions can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality.
Following the recommendations from the weather service helps bolster your safety during air quality alerts, minimizing your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants. Stay vigilant, stay protected, and prioritize your health.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.