Excessive Ultra Violet (UV) light exposure can cause sunburns, skin cancer, premature aging, eye damage, and can weaken your immune system. [1] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source Considering all of these health issues that UV light can cause, it is a good idea to check the UV index to see when you should take extra precautions. Luckily, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes this easy with their EnviroFlash System, which allows you to get email alerts whenever the UV index rises above a certain level. This wikiHow will show you how to subscribe to these alerts.
Steps
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2Type your Email address into the "Email Address" box.Advertisement
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3Choose when you would like to receive email alerts. For example, if you select "High", then you will get alerts if the UV index is 6 or higher.
- Because the danger for UV light is higher at 6 or above, you may want to consider at least choosing "High".
- Keep in mind that if there is snow on the ground, then the UV level can be doubled because of the reflection. Keep this in mind when selecting the alert level. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- If you only want to receive EPA alerts, then check the "Receive UV Alerts only" box.
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4Enter your ZIP Code or select your state. If you enter your ZIP Code, then you will receive more accurate forecasts.
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5Click Subscribe . After clicking submit, click the activation link in your email to activate your subscription.Advertisement
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Tips
- When the UV Index is high, stay inside or seek shade when possible. [3] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to sourceThanks
- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV light. [4] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to sourceThanks
- To protect your eyes, you can wear sunglasses. [5] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Be careful when there is snow on the ground, or if you are swimming or at the beach. Snow, water, and sand all reflect UV light and make it more intense. [8] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to sourceThanks
- You may not receive UV notifications during government shutdowns.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/health-effects-uv-radiation
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
- ↑ https://enviroflash.epa.gov/uv/Subscriber.do?method=start
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
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