LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) have issued a smoke advisory for Central and Eastern Nebraska due to smoke associated with wildfires in Canada and their effect to the air quality in the state.
The advisory of moderate (yellow) to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) on the Air Quality Index (AQI) may potentially affect Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, Grand Island and the area surrounding them.
During moderate AQI conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may experience health effects. When conditions rise to the yellow category, those who are unusually sensitive are advised to consider shortening outdoor activities and reducing the intensity of these activities. Symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath are signs to take it easier.
During Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI conditions, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and avoid intense outdoor activities.
States monitor smoke levels and weather conditions to determine when impacts to air quality are anticipated. Advisories are based on data from the National Weather Service (NWS), the states of Kansas and/or Oklahoma, smoke plume modeling, and from ambient air quality monitors located in Omaha, Blair, Bellevue, Lincoln, Beatrice, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff.
The AQI pictured below is used nationally and is available in real time by visiting https://www.airnow.gov. The Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘AirNow’ smartphone app can also be used to track air quality and fire activity.
For more information on smoke awareness, visit DWEE’s website at https://dee.nebraska.gov/air/
