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Regular Updates
Definitions
What is a SpikeAlert?
A "SpikeAlert" is a warning that air quality may be harmful in your area.
This is tough to define, and we hope to get a better idea with your help!
Currently, we are sending out alerts when a PurpleAir sensor reads 10-minute average Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels over the 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) within 800 meters of your designated place of interest.
What is PM2.5?
Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a major air pollutant of concern.
PM2.5 are generic particles of 2.5 micrometers in diameter (or smaller) that are created during the combustion processes of cars, energy production, manufacturing, and trash incineration as well as forest fires, backyard bonfires, and small gas engines!
The American Heart Association (AHA) has established a causal link between these particles and heart and lung disease (Source).
Functionality
How do I unsubscribe?
At anytime you can reply to our phone number with a text saying "STOP", and we will delete your phone number and all messaging information from our SMS service (Twilio).
To resubscribe, reply to the same number with a text saying "START" and submit a new sign up form.
Never got a message?
There is a chance that the phone number was entered incorrectly. Also, we are unable to message landlines.
Definitely contact us if you think there's been a mistake!
No alerts?
Most folks get an alert within a week or so. There is a chance that there are no air monitors in your area!
If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a sensor you can request one from the City here.
In the meantime, we're working on city-wide air quality alerts.
Privacy
What happens to a report?
We're still thinking this through...
Currently, folks get the option to report through a text message and/or the [webmap](https://www.mplsaqalert.com/map/). These are anonymous. We'll forward them weekly to relevant community organizations, researchers, the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD), and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Would it be cool to have them appear on a map as well? Would love feedback/ideas!
Reports are stored in a REDCap database hosted by the University of Minnesota.
Phone Numbers?
Phone numbers are stored in a REDCap database hosted by the University of Minnesota.
Our current SMS service is Twilio which keeps a log of messages and phone numbers. We delete these on a weekly basis.
How to delete my information?
At anytime you can reply to our phone number with a text saying "STOP", and we will delete your phone number and all messaging information from our SMS service (Twilio).
To resubscribe, reply to the same number with a text saying "START" and submit a new sign up form.