NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF LONGMONT
************************
Air pollution impacts everyone in Longmont. Thankfully, there are many simple steps we can take to improve our air quality and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and harmful air pollution.
The first step is to be “air aware” by knowing what the current air quality is like around you. This can help you avoid harmful outdoor air pollution, which you can’t always see, by staying inside or adjusting your schedule. Smartphone apps, like the EPA’s free AirNow app, make checking the current local air quality a breeze. You can also text “BetterAirCO” to 21000 to sign up for ozone action text alerts.
The next step is to be wildfire ready. May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Boulder County, which means it’s a great time to review your evacuation routes and clear dry leaves and overhanging branches from your property. Wildfires can and do happen here, so it’s important to be ready. Sign up for emergency alerts and visit wildfirepartners.org for home preparedness guides and more.
Finally, we encourage you to take one action this summer to help us improve Longmont’s air quality. It could be as simple as skipping two car trips each week, avoiding idling, or replacing a gas-powered lawn mower with an electric one (many retailers are now offering a 30% discount!). Visit simplestepsbetterair.org for more simple ways to make a positive impact on our air quality.
Take Simple Steps for Better Air
Be “air aware”
- Check air quality before heading outside
- Adjust your schedule
Prepare for wildfires
- Make an evacuation plan
- Clear leaves and flammable items from property
Take one action to improve air quality
- Skip two car trips
- Swap a gas-powered appliance or tool for electric
Discover more ways you can take action for cleaner air and sustainable travel at bit.ly/sustainability-longmont. Residents and business owners are also invited to sign up for the Sustainability Newsletter to be in the know about all things sustainable!
************************
