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Due to natural disasters and man-made disasters alike, knowing the air quality is as essential as knowing the temperature. There are several ways to protect yourself and other vulnerable people from poor air quality:
- Stay indoors or limit your time outdoors to the morning.
- Avoid busy roads and highways where particulate matter is usually worse because of emissions from cars and trucks
- Telework. If you must go out, limit driving, combine trips, carpool, or use mass transit.
- Refuel vehicles after dusk and limit idling. The exhaust contains particle pollution that makes air quality worse on hot days.
- Avoid mowing lawns with gasoline-powered motors.
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Check your air conditioning functioning and clean the filters.
- Need help finding where to go or what resources are in your area? Call 211. The way that the hotline works is very similar to the process of calling 911- the 211 referral center specialists connects callers to their closest resources.
- To check out your local air quality information and set up email alerts, visit https://www.airnow.gov/, a website updated hourly and with explanations of the color code warning system.
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Who is most at risk? Certain vulnerable populations should take extra care in any emergency. Remember to check on loved ones, especially:
- Pregnant women
- Children.
- Elderly
- Those with chronic illness
- Pets
When disaster strikes, following these tips and educating yourself can help keep you and your loved ones safe!
By London Gutekunst
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