| Residents of Lusby, Solomons, and the surrounding areas may have noticed hazy skies and the smell of smoke over the past several days. While there are no major wildfires burning locally, the smoke is traveling hundreds of miles from large wildfires currently burning in Canada and parts of Minnesota. Favorable upper-level wind patterns are transporting fine smoke particles into Maryland, resulting in reduced visibility and periods of degraded air quality.
The primary concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles can affect anyone but pose the greatest risk to children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a simple way to understand current air conditions:
* 🟢 0–50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory and outdoor activities are safe.
* 🟡 51–100 (Moderate): Air quality is acceptable, though unusually sensitive individuals should monitor symptoms.
* 🟠101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged outdoor activity.
* 🔴 151–200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may begin experiencing health effects. Limit time outdoors and strenuous activity.
* 🟣 201–300 (Very Unhealthy): Health alert. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure whenever possible.
* 🟤 301+ (Hazardous): Emergency conditions. Everyone should remain indoors as much as possible.
How to Protect Yourself
The Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department recommends the following precautions when smoke impacts our area:
* Keep windows and doors closed whenever practical.
* Use air conditioning on recirculate mode if available.
* Consider using a HEPA air purifier indoors.
* Limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially exercise.
* Wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask if you must spend extended periods outdoors.
* Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.
* Monitor pets and bring them indoors if smoke becomes heavy.
When to Call 911
Smoke exposure can become a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences:
* Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Chest pain or pressure
* Blue or gray lips or fingertips
* Confusion or altered mental status
* Loss of consciousness
* Symptoms that worsen despite moving indoors
Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions should follow their physician’s treatment plan and use prescribed rescue medications as directed. If symptoms continue to worsen, seek emergency medical care.
Stay Informed
Air quality conditions can change throughout the day as weather patterns shift. Before spending extended time outdoors, check the latest local conditions using the EPA’s AirNow website:
https://www.airnow.gov
The Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and encourages everyone to take appropriate precautions until smoke concentrations improve. |
