The City of Wichita issued an air quality alert Friday afternoon because of the strong winds and blowing dust across the area.
Particulate matter was measured to be over 300, which means the air quality is unhealthy.
People were being urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity.
The city closed the Brooks Landfill at 2 p.m. Friday because of the windy conditions.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory due to the dust and wildfire smoke being carried into the state by the southwest winds out of Oklahoma. KDHE offered the following tips:
- Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
- More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
- Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
