PHILADELPHIA—The city of Philadelphia is currently under a Code Red Fine Particles Action Day Alert. This alert means that the air is unhealthy to breathe, and some members of the general public may experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Air quality may vary throughout the city and throughout the day, with some areas having significantly worse quality depending on the prevailing winds.

The Health Department is in contact with organizations that are planning outdoor activities today and recommending that they consider postponing them for everyone’s safety.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this Code Red Action Day. Residents should:

  • Strongly consider cancelling outdoor events and gatherings
  • Avoid going outdoors as much as possible
  • Avoid excessive activities outdoors, such as jogging or exercising
  • If you have to go outdoors, wear a high quality mask, like an N-95 or KN-95 mask
  • Avoid areas of high congestion and where air pollution may be high, like main streets or highways, areas with low air circulation
  • Close all windows and doors to minimize air pollution in your home
  • Recirculate the air in your home with fans to avoid bringing more air pollution into your home
  • Pay attention to their bodies; if they are having trouble breathing, feeling nauseous, or dizzy, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Residents are furthermore asked to help reduce the amount of pollution in the city by:

  • Avoid unnecessary trips in their cars,
  • Avoid idling,
  • Carpooling when possible, and
  • Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

The Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the air quality and provide updates as they become available. For more information, please visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management Twitter account, the Health Department’s Twitter account, and register to receive emergency alerts from via ReadyPhiladelphia by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or visiting phila.gov/ready.

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