NYC air quality has reached 'Very Unhealthy' levels (AQI 201+). At this level, everyone, not just sensitive groups, may experience serious health effects. What to do: ✅ Reschedule or move all unnecessary activities indoors ✅ All New Yorkers should avoid strenuous and prolonged (more than one hour) outdoor activities ✅ Keep windows closed when indoors ✅ If you use AC, close the fresh air intake so smoky air stays out ✅ If you have an air purifier, run it at the highest setting ✅ If you must be outside, a high-quality mask (N95/KN95) is recommended by health officials to reduce smoke exposure, but it's not a substitute for staying indoors ⚠️ Heat note: Very hot weather can be MORE dangerous than poor air quality. If you don't have AC, move to a cool indoor space, a library, a friend or family member's home, store, or another air-conditioned place. Listen to your body. If you have watery eyes, a scratchy throat, or difficulty breathing, reduce physical activity and go indoors. Some people are more sensitive to smoke and should avoid unnecessary outdoor activity: people with heart or respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, people who are immunocompromised, older adults, people who are pregnant, and infants and children. 📞 Call 911 immediately if you or someone you are caring for has severe difficulty breathing or chest pain. If symptoms persist after air quality improves, contact a health care provider or seek urgent care. Most healthy people recover quickly from smoke exposure without long-term effects, but take precautions now. 📲 Track conditions: airnow.gov 🔔 Get alerts: sign up for @NotifyNYC ✅ More tips: nyc.gov/beready for Air Quality Events

KN95 masks are available at public library branches across all five boroughs to protect the health of New Yorkers, especially those at greatest risk from wildfire smoke. Pick one up at:
📚 Brooklyn Public Library locations
📚 Queens Public Library locations
📚 St. George Library Center (Staten Island)
📚 Bronx Library Center (the Bronx)
📚 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, NYPL's main branch (Manhattan) If you must be outside when air quality is poor, a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask can reduce inhalation of fine particulate matter.