Montgomery County officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions and follow recommendations related to the area’s Code Purple air quality alert.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) issued a Code Purple Air Quality Health Advisory for the metropolitan Washington region today, Friday, July 17. Code Purple means that current air quality has reached very unhealthy conditions for everyone. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada is contributing to the increased levels of fine particle pollution.
- Wear a high-quality (N95 or KN95) mask when outdoors. This is especially important for people with respiratory illnesses, as well as older adults, children, and teens.
- Those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes should avoid all outdoor activities.
- Use the recirculated air function on air conditioners in cars and homes, where available. Check and replace filters.
- If you do not have air conditioning, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, safely go someplace with air conditioning. Recommendations include County facilities like recreation centers, indoor pools, and libraries during normal operating hours. Other locations likely to have air conditioning include indoor shopping malls, museums, and movie theaters.
- Everyone, regardless of age or health status, should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider moving activity indoors or rescheduling.
- Those who must work outside should reduce work if possible and wear a mask while working.
- Residents are asked to check on elderly friends, relatives, and neighbors who may be isolated to be sure they are not having any health complications.
“Today’s Code Purple air quality alert indicates very unhealthy air conditions for the entire public, not just those with respiratory illnesses,” said County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis. “The smoke from the Canadian wildfires has exacerbated a typical air quality alert and everyone should pay attention and take precautions.”
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Recreation Activities
Due to the air quality conditions, Montgomery County Recreation will be making the following modifications today, Friday, July 17:
- All outdoor activities beginning at 11 a.m. or later will be canceled or moved indoors. (Program participants will be notified by staff of programming modifications.)
- All outdoor pools are closed.
- Contact the Montgomery County Recreation customer service team with any questions via email at CustomerService@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Homeless Information Line
Individuals without shelter or residents concerned about the well-being of a person experiencing homelessness can call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support. We encourage them to take advantage of recreation centers, senior centers, and libraries in their area during regular operating hours to avoid prolonged exposure to unhealthy air.
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Visit airnow.gov for the latest information on air quality in your zip code.
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Read the original article at mcgov