The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Code RED Air Quality Alert for all of Central Pennsylvania including Adams County.
The alert, which continues through midnight, indicates the air in the region is affected by smoke and ozone from forest fires burning in Canada.
The AQI indicator in Arendstville reported a reading of 161 this morning and the indicator in Gettysburg reported a reading of 171. Both readings are in the “unhealthy” range.
An “unhealthy” AQI means that everyone may experience health effects from the air, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
The following recommendations are in place according to the National Weather Service:
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.