The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Red air day in the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: July 17. Code Red levels mean the air is unhealthy for everyone.
COG advises the following health precautions:

• Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.
• Healthy individuals should limit long or intense outdoor activities.

Air quality levels can vary across the region. Residents can check current air quality conditions near them on COG's website. In addition, the AirNow website recommends the following during wildfire events:

• Take it easier during smoky times. If you can see or smell smoke, avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run.
• Reschedule outdoor work tasks and activities to a time when air quality improves. If outdoor tasks and activities cannot be rescheduled and must be conducted when air quality is poor, it is recommended that individuals reduce smoke inhalation by:
  • Limiting the time spent outdoors by only performing essential activities.
  • Taking frequent breaks indoors in places where the air is clean, especially during periods with high outdoor levels of wildfire smoke.
  • If you must work outdoors, choosing a mask that will protect you like an N95 respirator mask. Cloth masks will not protect you from wildfire smoke.
  • Using a portable air cleaner in one or more rooms. If you have a central air system in your home, use it to filter the air.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises area residents to take the following actions:

• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
• Fill your vehicles' gas tank after sunset.
• Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

COG, in partnership with the District Department of Energy & Environment and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, provides daily air quality forecasts for the Northern Virginia/District of Columbia region. Daily air quality forecasts for Suburban DC (Prince George’s County and Lower Montgomery County), Maryland Piedmont (Frederick County and Upper Montgomery County), and/or Southern Maryland (Charles and Calvert Counties) are provided by Maryland Department of the Environment.

COG also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.