ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County air quality program issued a health alert on Tuesday due to blowing dust. The health alert is effective from Tuesday, March 18 from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Bernalillo County residents with respiratory conditions are encouraged to limit outdoor activity.
Contractors and businesses that generate dust have also been issued to shut down immediately.
Also, due to high winds, Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department is asking residents to help keep the community clean. Solid Waste will not pick up bins that have been knocked over by the wind. Drivers will not be able to complete their routes if the bins are not upright. They ask if you see your bin knocked over, to place it upright. They also ask if you see your neighbor’s bin knocked over place it upright as well.
People are also encouraged to report any downed limbs on roadways and public places by calling 311 or online.
City of Albuquerque offers steps that you can take during health alerts:
- Limit your time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
- Schools and senior citizen facilities may want to provide indoor activities to minimize exposure to elevated outdoor particulate levels.
- Keep windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort, use air conditioners or heating systems on recycle/recirculation mode.
- If symptoms of heart or lung disease occur, (including shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations or unusual fatigue) contact your healthcare provider.
- Individuals with heart or lung disease should follow their health management plan from their health care provider.
- Asthmatic individuals should follow a prescribed asthma management plan.
For more information visit Albuquerque’s Health Alert information page.