How To Protect Yourself From Smokey Air Moving Into Colorado This Week

There are several wildfires burning throughout Colorado which means the air quality is worsening in many locations across the state.

According to FOX31, moderate to extreme smoke is expected to move into Denver and the Front Range on Tuesday, June 22, and Wednesday, June 23.

To help protect yourself from smokey air, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking these steps:

• Check local air quality reports. Also, pay attention to public health messages about Air Quality Index and safety measures.
• Consult local visibility guides.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. If you are advised to say indoors, keep windows and doors shut. Turn on the air conditioner but keep the fresh-air intake closed and keep the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution like burning candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, or vacuuming.
• Prevent wildfires from starting. Check with local fire departments to be sure the weather is safe enough for burning trash or debris.
• Don't rely on dust masks for protection from smoke. Masks most commonly found at hardware stores are for large particles like sawdust. They will not protect you from the small particles found in wildfire smoke.
• Clean up ash and other products of a wildfire that can irritate your eyes, nose, or skin.