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# UV alerts: What are they?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/uv_safety_0604111006/
- Published: 2011-06-04T11:04:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T13:17:09.000Z
- Description: The National Weather Service and EPA issue UV Alerts when forecast ultraviolet radiation runs unusually high and the risk of overexposure is great. Their SunWise UV Index lets people check the forecast for their own city before planning time outdoors.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Environment, Health News, #vivvo-import

UV alerts: What are they?  
*Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:34:10 -0500*

The government issues UV alerts when it predicts that the sun's ultraviolet radiation is unusually high. To help avoid overexposure to UV rays in your area, visit the link to the UV Alert Forecast Map

# UV Safety

Warm summer days and outdoor activities expose you to the sun's rays, also called ultraviolet or UV rays. A sunburn or tan results when UV rays damage your unprotected skin and may lead to wrinkles, skin spots, or [skin cancer](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=11075&ref=foodconsumer.org). The same UV rays that damage your skin can also harm your eyes.

The [SunWise UV Index](http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html?ref=foodconsumer.org), which was developed by the [National Weather Service (NWS)](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=9763&ref=foodconsumer.org) and the[Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=9777&ref=foodconsumer.org), provides information to help you plan your outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun's rays. You may also check the [UV index forecast](http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html?ref=foodconsumer.org#lookup) for your city or town.

The NWS and EPA also issue [UV Alerts](http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvalert.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) when the level of solar UV radiation prediction is unusually high, and the risk of overexposure is great. If you are within a UV Alert region, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself from the sun's UV radiation. You may also wish to view the [UV Alert Forecast Map](http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/uv%5Findex/uv%5Falert.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) from the NWS's Climate Prediction Center (CPC).

Regardless of the UV Index, you should always follow [sun safety action steps](http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) when spending time outdoors.

For more information on sun safety, please visit the EPA's [SunWise program website](http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/?ref=foodconsumer.org). The program also provides a [SunWise Kids website](http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/kids/?ref=foodconsumer.org).

By USA.gov team