CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 291930Z AUG 24 MID600117585985U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 076/24 MSGIG/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/AUG // SUBJ/AIR QUALITY// RMKS/1. Last year the United States experienced particularly challenging air quality issues. This led to the issuance of ALNAV 082/23 which highlighted strategies to prepare for and mitigate air quality challenges. Air quality is influenced by localized events such as wildfires or volcanic eruptions and is more broadly impacted by climate-driven changes in weather conditions (increasing wildfire frequency, duration of wildfire season, and wind-blown dust). We are currently in the middle of the 101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign designed to address the increased risk we all face between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is a broad list of hazards during this time (heat, summer travel, water sports, etc.) but we should also take this opportunity to focus on prevention of wildfires and preparing for compromised air quality. 2. To prepare, consider the weather (e.g., temperature, humidity, and wind) and pollutants in the air, which influence air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified fine particulate matter as one of the pollutants impacting air quality, and particulate pollutants are components in wildfire smoke and the principal public health threat. These and other impacts to air quality have the potential to seriously disrupt Department of the Navy (DON) operations and activities and affect our personnel. Additionally, these ambient air conditions describe wildfire characteristics but typically will become indoor air quality issues as well. Learn more about particle pollution, fires, indoor air quality and your health on the following two websites which provide a wealth of information to include a 10- point Smoke Readiness Plan: a. https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/wildfires b. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021- 05/documents/ashrae_journal_article_march_2021-tagged.pdf 3. Air quality adversely affects everyone but particularly impacts the young, old, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or cardio obstructive pulmonary disease. The EPA developed the air quality index to communicate daily air quality using color coded categories to inform your daily activity, particularly for those with young children or those with underlying medical problems. The Fire and Smoke map is also an excellent resource for real time air quality near you. This map provides real-time information to facilitate proactive planning in your local area or can be informative if you plan to travel. a. https://fire.airnow.gov/ 4. Prevention strategies to address wildfire risk depend on a number of factors, including temperature, soil, moisture, and the presence of trees, shrubs, and other notable fuels. Mounting wildfire risk is due to these accumulated fuels, a changing climate, and enhanced development of wildland- urban interface. Hence, land use and forest management are key to ensuring our personal properties and installations remain resilient against threats like drought and wildfires. The Forest Service, together with tribes and partners, generated a wildfire crisis strategy to focus efforts and address forest health treatment, employing the best available knowledge and science as a guide. Information and resources can be obtained in the forest service wildfire crisis strategy provided at the link below to facilitate more direct-action preventing wildfires. a. Additionally, our old friend "Smokey the Bear" has time tested methods to prevent wildfires in the campsite, at home, or when using equipment or conducting maintenance. b. https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs_media/fs_document/Confronting- the-Wildfire-Crisis.pdf c. https://www.smokeybear.com/ 5. The DON must ensure we do our part to prepare for and mitigate the safety challenges presented from wildfires and air quality concerns. The weather can significantly impact the readiness of our forces, their training, and the well-being of our families and our force. When operating or living in a high heat environment, comply with professional safety and health guidance to stay hydrated, reduce strenuous activity, wear protective clothing, and take necessary breaks. We can all take steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our personnel by maintaining awareness of the hazards we all face. With your engagement, attention, and vigilance, the DON can continue to protect our people and infrastructure. A final resource to assist you is the EPA's "Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires" which contains fire maps, a link to the AirNow app for local air quality information, frequently asked questions, health data, and a pathway to online training and videos to comprehensively prepare you for this threat to our health and readiness. a. https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires 6. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//