There are burning across New Mexico from Mora County in the north to Lincoln County in the south. As the air gets smoky, there are steps you can take to stay safe.
When the winds pick up, smoke from wildfires can travel great distances, putting residents otherwise out of harm鈥檚 way at risk for hazardous air quality.
Meteorologist with , Alyssa Clements, says while Monday鈥檚 gusts were somewhat calmer, New Mexicans are not in the clear.
鈥淲e are looking at another very windy pattern upcoming this week,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, air quality is certainly going to be a concern.鈥�
Clements says limiting exposure by reducing the amount of time spent outside is key.
鈥淎void exercising outdoors,鈥� she said. 鈥淢aybe stay inside for the day, close your windows.鈥�
While staying inside, the New Mexico Department of Health's program's website recommends not decreasing the quality of the indoor air with fragrances; things that create smoke like tobacco, fireplaces or candles; or vacuuming, which can stir up the particles.
As the summer sets in, the state says those with air conditioners should set them to recirculate the air and keep the filters clean. EPHT says swamp coolers are different and they shouldn鈥檛 be run at all due to the size of their filters鈥� holes.
In a statement released Friday, DOH recommended those with swamp coolers seek shelter where there鈥檚 AC when it鈥檚 too hot inside but too smokey outside, like at a library, community center or friend鈥檚 home.
And if you have to go outside? Clements says strap on a familiar tool during the pandemic.
鈥淣95 masks [and] KN95 masks that a lot of people have now are great,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose can help filter out those particles.鈥�
The EPHT's is one way to gauge how hazardous the air outside is. The lower the visibility is at the five-, three- and one-mile mark, the higher the risk. If you can only see landmarks one mile away, it's recommended you stay inside regardless of age or health status.
The program has developed for residents to use to measure the various distances from their current location. You can also find daily updates on the air quality in your community .
