Montgomery County has issued a Code Purple Air Quality Action Day for Friday, July 17. All County parks and trails will be closed to the public. 
 

A Code Purple Air Quality Action Day means air quality is VERY UNHEALTHY for everyone due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke. All persons should limit or avoid outdoor activities. Pets and other animals should be kept indoors to the extent possible.

Guidance on Limiting Exposure
 

Everyone: Limit outdoor physical activity and go indoors to cleaner air if experiencing symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
 

Sensitive Groups: Individuals with chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women, and people with limited ability to reduce exposure to outdoor air should avoid all physical activity outdoors
 

Keep indoor air safe by closing windows. If you have air conditioning and your system allows it, consider using the indoor recirculating function and/or installing a high efficiency filter. If you do not have air conditioning, staying inside with windows closed may be dangerous in hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning. Check 211 (https://brnw.ch/21x4c7w) to find a cooling center near you. 
 

Be aware that an N95 mask can provide some protection; however, surgical and cloth masks will not provide protection due to the size of the pollution particles.

Check current air quality at https://brnw.ch/21x4c7v or on the AirNow app.

If you experience severe shortness of breath or chest tightness, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.