Code Orange Health Watch Issued For Saturday

Friday, June 29, 2012

An air pollution Code Orange Health Watch has been declared for ozone on Saturday.  The air quality index is predicted to be 119, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

People at risk include: 

  • Children who are active outdoors
  • Adults of all ages exercising or working outdoors
  • People with asthma or other respiratory conditions
  • People with unusual susceptibility to air pollution

You can help by following these pollution-reducing suggestions:

Reduce Fuel Use:

  • Drive less by combining errands
  • Drive at slower speeds
  • Postpone using gasoline-powered lawn equipment
  • Keep your engines properly tuned and tires properly inflated
  • Refuel after 6 p.
    m. and don’t top off your gasoline tank

Reduce Energy Consumption:

  • Turn off lights
  • Turn thermostats up 2-4 degrees
  • Keep blinds drawn to block out sun

Find Alternate Methods of Transportation:

  • Walk or bike (before noon and after 6:00 p.m.)
  • Use public transportation
  • Carpool or Vanpool

Don’t Burn Anything

Reduce exposure to pollution by: 

  • planning strenuous activity when pollution levels are forecast to be lower
  • reducing the amount of time spent at vigorous activity
  • choosing a less strenuous activity (e.g., going for a walk instead of a jog)

Over half of the population is at risk. Please limit prolonged outdoor exertion.


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