Being a VMN Volunteer – Heat and Air Quality Concerns
Image: New particulate pollution Air Quality Index, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Many VMN volunteers spend a lot of time being active outdoors, as you would expect! Part of the risk management guidelines involve keeping yourself and others safe by paying attention to the weather forecast. At this time of year, both extreme heat and air quality can be concerns.
- Extreme Heat – If you must be outdoors in hot weather, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay hydrated, cut down on exercise, rest often in the shade, and protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. CDC Extreme Heat website and resources
- Air Quality – Learn to look up the Air Quality Index. Sometimes you can find it in a regular weather app, but AirNow.gov is a good source of information as well. Learn what the colors mean, and be aware that if it is going to be a red day (or possibly even an orange day, depending on the activity), it may be wise to cancel your outdoor VMN activities, particularly if they involve a lot of physical activity or people who are in more sensitive groups.
Keep in mind that you have to make the decision on whether it is safe for you to participate in an event based on the weather. You may be in a sensitive group when it comes to heat or air quality, and therefore have to cancel plans when someone else might feel fine about being outdoors. That’s okay! We want you to make the right decision for you, and, if you are leading an event for others, to keep their safety in mind as well.
