Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Shares Update in Response to Dangerous Air Quality Conditions

MILWAUKEE – County Executive David Crowley is providing an update for the public regarding County operations and guidance as the community responds to extremely dangerous air quality conditions from the recent Canadian wildfires.

The National Weather Service has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert in Wisconsin until noon on Friday, July 17. Officials expect the alert to be extended once more for the eastern part of the state, especially counties along Lake Michigan like Milwaukee County. In response to these conditions, County Executive Crowley and Milwaukee County departments are actively monitoring conditions and taking appropriate steps to protect employees and the public while maintaining essential services.

“The health and safety of Milwaukee County residents remains our top priority,” said County Executive Crowley. “As the worst air quality on record for our community continues to impact Milwaukee County, I encourage everyone to take this situation seriously, limit time outdoors when possible, and follow guidance from public health officials. We will continue working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to keep residents informed as conditions change.”

Below are updates and guidance from Milwaukee County departments:

• Milwaukee County employees defined as “essential” will continue performing duties during this time. All Milwaukee County employees have access to N95 masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) as it relates to performing their official duties and administering essential services for residents.

• The Milwaukee County Courthouse and various County facilities remain open to the public. Milwaukee County Facilities Management is actively monitoring conditions across Milwaukee County facilities and reviewing building ventilation operations to help minimize the introduction of outdoor smoke into occupied spaces while maintaining appropriate ventilation requirements to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors.

• The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is always available to support residents through its No Wrong Door model of customer service, meaning regardless of how someone connects to DHHS or any point in the health and human continuum of care, they will have access to services and resources offered by DHHS and community partners. Residents are encouraged to call 211 to get connected to services.

• The Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Highway Maintenance Division has suspended all non-emergency outdoor work requiring prolonged exposure until conditions improve. MCDOT crews will continue responding to emergency maintenance needs along County trunk highways, roadways, and bridges as needed.

• The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is taking precautions to help keep bus operators and riders safe. All riders are urged to limit their time outside by checking their bus’s arrival time before heading to their stop, and to consider wearing a mask. In order to keep buses safe and healthy, bus operators have been directed to keep bus windows and doors closed as much as possible, to keep overhead hatches closed, to use recirculation and reduced-outside air settings on buses, to remain indoors or inside buses until reasonably close to scheduled pullout times, to report any excessive smoke entering buses, and to report any unscheduled stops.

• Milwaukee County Parks has closed all beer gardens, splash pads, outdoor and indoor pools, and wading pools on Thursday, July 16.

• The Milwaukee County Zoo has taken necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of animals in its care. For Thursday, July 16, some animals are inside, including apes and primates. Outdoor animals have indoor access. All animals are being monitored and observed. Many outdoor experiences, attractions and programming are canceled.

Follow these tips to stay safe until conditions improve:

• Residents should remain indoors as much as possible and avoid any outdoor exposure; in particular outdoor exercise, yard work and other strenuous activity.

• Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning or an air purifier, when available. If you must go outside, limit your time outdoors and consider wearing a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask.

• Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with asthma, heart disease, lung disease or other respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable and should take extra precautions.

• Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, dizziness or other serious symptoms should call 911 immediately.

Air quality can change quickly. Monitor current conditions here.