Mayor Bowser Urges Residents to Follow Recommendations Related to the Code Red Air Quality Alert

Jun 14, 2023

(Washington, DC) –The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) issued a "Code Red" air quality alert for Washington, DC on Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8. In response, Mayor Muriel Bowser and District officials from DOEE, the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Health (DC Health) are urging residents and visitors to follow precautions related to the "Code Red" air quality alert. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing unhealthy air quality in the Washington, DC area and the northeast United States, and this problem is likely to continue or worsen through Friday. DC Health and DOEE recommend that residents pay attention to local air quality reports and the US Air Quality Index at airnow.gov.

When the Air Quality Index is above 150 in your area (Code Red), District residents are recommended to:

When the Air Quality Index is above 200 in your area (Code Purple or Maroon), all groups should stay indoors as much as possible. Those who must work outside should reduce work outside if possible, and if not, wear a mask (N95 or KN95 equivalent).

When the Air Quality Index is between 100 and 150 in your area (Code Orange), follow these tips:

U.S. Air Quality chart according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency index.

Other tips that residents should follow while the air quality remains unhealthy:

Find additional recommendations from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

Shelter Hotline and Emergency Shelter Individuals should call the Shelter Hotline (202) 399-7093 to request transportation to shelter for unsheltered residents. Low-barrier shelters remain open 24 hours and are ready to receive residents who need relief from poor outdoor air quality. District and partner agency outreach teams are informing unsheltered residents to seek relief from poor outdoor air quality in shelters and service centers.

Parks and Recreation Centers While air quality remains in "Code Red," the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has canceled all DPR-led youth outdoor programs and events. DPR sites remain open.

DC Public Schools While air quality remains in "Code Red," all DC Public Schools’ outdoor activities are canceled. This includes recess, outdoor Physical Education classes, athletic practices and competitions, and any school-specific events or field trips intended for the outdoors.

Please call 311 if you have any questions or concerns about the air quality alert in the District. Please do not call 911 unless you are experiencing an emergency or immediate safety risks. Continue to monitor airnow.gov for the latest information on air quality.