LINCOLN – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a statewide smoke advisory for the remainder of today until midday on Friday, May 19.
According to the DHHS, smoke associated with wildfires in Canada may affect the air quality in Nebraska, which includes a reduction in visibility and health risks for areas with heavier smoke.
An advisory of possible Moderate (yellow) to Unhealthy (orange and red) Air Quality Index (AQI) readings may occur. During Moderate AQI conditions, those usually sensitive to particle pollution may experience adverse health effects.
When conditions rise to this level, the DHHS encourages sensitive individuals to consider shortening outdoor activities or reducing the intensity of those activities.
During orange Unhealthy AQI conditions, sensitive groups may include those with heart or lung conditions, older adults, or children. When AQI readings reach this level, the DHHS advises those sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and avoid intense outdoor activities.
In red Unhealthy AQI conditions, some members of the general public may experience adverse health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience serious health problems. Individuals are advised to avoid prolonged exertion and to move activities indoors, or to reschedule.
Advisories are issued for areas of anticipated impact through information posted to the Nebraska DHHS and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy web and social media sites. Advisories are based on data from the National Weather Service, smoke plume modeling, and ambient air quality monitors located in Omaha, Bellevue, Lincoln, Beatrice, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff. The Air Quality Index is available to access in real time here.
