Air quality alert heightens as smoke from wildfires sweep across Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services heightened its smoke advisory Friday for the central and eastern parts of the state.
The advisory now runs through the late afternoon on Saturday, with expected air quality rated from moderate (yellow) to unhealthy (red).
The department said smoke from wildfires in Canada could affect the air in the areas of Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, Kearney and Grand Island.
Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist Rusty Dawkins said smoke from Arizona fires is also mixing in with the Canadian smoke.
The advisory issued on Thursday warned of air quality ranging from moderate (yellow) to unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange).
SEE ALSO: Health department issues smoke advisory for eastern, central Nebraska
During moderate conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution may experience health effects, according to officials.
When conditions rise to that level, those who are unusually sensitive are advised to consider shortening outdoor activities and reducing the intensity of those activities.
Symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath are signs to take it easier.
At the next level, orange, 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.
During unhealthy conditions, members of the general public may experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
When conditions rise to the red category, everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, and those in sensitive groups should consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.
The following air quality index is used by the department:
The index is used nationally and is available in real-time for Nebraska by visiting https://www.airnow.gov.
For more information on smoke awareness, visit the department’s website.
