How to Get Air Quality Alerts from the EPA

Exposure to polluted air can lead to heart disease, asthma, and other complications.^[1] With all of the issues that air pollution can cause, it certainly seems like a good idea to know when there is high air pollution. Luckily, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows you to sign up for alerts so that you know whenever air pollution is high. This wikiHow will teach you how to sign up for air quality alerts from the EPA.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Signing Up for Alerts

1. Navigate to the EnviroFlash website. The URL is enviroflash.info.^[2]
   
2. Click on . It's a green button near the top right corner.
   
3. Enter your subscriber information. You have to enter your email and ZIP code.
   
   • If you want to get alerts via text message instead of email, then click on "Receive as a text message?" and use the chart to find your cell phones email address to enter.
   • You can also add your first and last name, but it is not recommended for security reasons.
4. Select in the "City Selection" section.
   
   • You may be able to skip this step if your city comes up after you enter your ZIP code.
5. Enter your ZIP Code or select your state. Once the information is entered, then your closest city will be displayed next to "Nearest EnviroFlash City:" and it will be highlighted yellow. Once this happens, then you can move on to the next section.
   
   • You may be able to skip this step if your city is already displayed.
6. Select what type of email format you want to be sent. It's recommended that you chose "HTML" to receive the best-looking email, however, if you are receiving text notifications, then you should select the "Short" format.
   
7. Decide which alerts you want to receive. You can choose to receive a total of three different alerts. Once you chose an alert, then select the checkmark next to the alert and fill out any additional information that is requested. A description of the alerts can be found below:
   
   • Receive Action Day Notifications: Action Days are days when the EPA declares that it is unsafe to go outside because of very hazardous air pollution. It is best to stay inside during Action Days and limit the use of chemicals. All subscribers will receive Action Day notifications.
   • Receive Forecasts: When this is selected, you will get an email every morning with the expected air quality forecast if the forecast is over your set level.
   • Receive Current Conditions: When this is selected, you will receive an email whenever the current air quality for your city goes above your set level. This option is not available in most areas.
8. Read the Privacy Policy. If you agree with it, then select the checkbox next to "I have read the privacy policy:". If you do not agree with the privacy policy, then you cannot use this service.
   
9. Click . Once you click this, then you will get an email with a confirmation code.
   
10. Enter the Confirmation Code. Once you get the confirmation email, then copy and paste the code into the box and click on . Once you confirm your email, then you will be subscribed. You will be given an option to subscribe to another city, or you can simply close the window.
    

[Edit]Managing Your Subscription

1. Navigate to the EnviroFlash website. The URL is www.enviroflash.info.^[3]
   
2. Click on . It is a blue button near the top right corner of the page.
   
3. Enter the email address that you used to sign up for alerts. Then, click .
   
   • If you get text message alerts, then use this form to help you find your cell phones email address.
4. Click on the city that you want to edit. You will only see this screen if you are subscribed to get alerts for multiple cities. If you are only subscribed to get alerts from one city, then skip this step.
   
5. Change the settings that you want to change. Once you are done, click at the bottom of the page.
   
   • If you want to stop getting alerts, then click the red button near the top left corner, and then click the green button.

[Edit]Tips

• If you want to subscribe to multiple cities, then sign up for alerts using the steps in method 1 for each city.
• EnviroFlash is only available in the United States.

[Edit]Warnings

• If an Action Day is declared in your area, then stay inside as much as possible. For more information on what to do during an action day, read How to Respond to an Air Quality Action Day for Ozone (USA).
• It's not recommended that you enter your first and last name because EnviroFlash does not require a password to access information related to your email, which means that any random person on the internet can find your first and last name using your email address if you provide your name to EnviroFlash.
• You may not get EnviroFlash emails during a government shutdown.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://www.enviroflash.info/assets/pdf/EnviroFlash_factSheet.pdf
2. ↑ https://airnow.gov/
3. ↑ https://airnow.gov/