🚨 AIR QUALITY ALERT – CODE RED 🚨

**The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department & EMS is urging all residents to take precautions as a Code Red Air Quality Alert has been issued for Maryland.**

Smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires has moved into our region, causing dangerous levels of fine particulate pollution. These microscopic particles can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, creating serious health risks—even for otherwise healthy individuals.

### What Does Code Red Mean?

A **Code Red Air Quality Alert** means the air is **unhealthy for everyone**. Spending extended time outdoors can increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

### You May Experience:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Eye, nose, or throat irritation
• Headaches or dizziness
• Chest tightness or fatigue

Those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone working or exercising outdoors are at an even greater risk.

### How You Can Protect Yourself:

🏠 Limit time outdoors, especially this afternoon and evening.
🚪 Keep windows and doors closed.
❄️ Run your air conditioning on the recirculate setting if possible.
💨 Use a HEPA air purifier if available.
🏃 Postpone outdoor exercise, sports, and strenuous activities..
😷 If you must be outside for an extended period, consider wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask.

### Fire Department Safety Reminder

Our firefighters, EMS personnel, and first responders are trained and equipped to operate in challenging conditions, but we encourage our community to reduce unnecessary outdoor exposure until air quality improves.

If you or a family member develops severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or worsening asthma symptoms, seek medical care immediately or call 911 for emergencies.

Please continue to monitor local forecasts and air quality updates, check on elderly neighbors and those with chronic medical conditions, and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

**Your safety is our priority. Stay informed. Stay indoors when possible. Stay safe.**

-Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department & EMS