Air Quality Alert Message

Full Alert Message

Air Quality Alert Message Relayed by National Weather Service Phoenix AZ 1251 PM MST Fri Mar 28 2025 ...AIR QUALITY ALERT DUE TO HARMFUL PARTICLE POLLUTION LEVELS FROM WINDBLOWN DUST... * WHAT...The Imperial County APCD has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust. * WHERE...in Imperial Valley. Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on emissions and local weather conditions. * WHEN...Now through Tomorrow morning. * IMPACTS... Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... To protect your health, check air quality levels and act as needed: * When Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (orange), sensitive groups as specified above should limit extended or intense outdoor activity. * When AQI is "Unhealthy" (red), everyone may experience health impacts. Sensitive groups should avoid extended time outdoors. * When AQI is "Very Unhealthy" (purple), sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor physical activity. Everyone else should avoid extended or intense outdoor activity. * When AQI is "Hazardous" (maroon), everyone should avoid all outdoor physical activity. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... To help keep indoor air clean when air quality is poor: * Keep windows and doors closed * Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier * Do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool * Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment To help minimize outdoor particle pollution levels: * Carpool, telecommute, reduce trips, or take public transportation * Slow down if driving on dirt roads * Stabilize loose soils To view current and forecast air quality within Imperial County visit the Imperial County Air Quality website at http://www.imperialvalleyair.org/ or follow ICAPCD on Twitter, facebook or Instagram (@county_air).