Community Corner
Air Quality Alert in Effect Tuesday for Lake County
Active children and adults should avoid prolonged exposure outdoors as should those with pulmonary or respiratory diseases.
An air quality alert is in effect today for all of Lake County and several surrounding suburban counties, according to the National Weather Service.
The alert took effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect until midnight, according to the NWS.
An air pollution action day has also been declared for Tuesday for the area by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which means weather conditions are expected to cause widespread ozone and particulate levels to be at or above the unhealthy level for sensitive groups, according to the NWS.
Active children and adults and people with pulmonary or respiratory diseases such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor activity, according to the NWS.
Today is the first Air Pollution Action Day in Illinois so far this year.
The weather forecast for today in Libertyville calls for mostly sunny skies and a high of 87 degrees. Even hotter temps are expected tomorrow with a high of 88 degrees in the forecast.
Taking Steps Toward Cleaner Air
Partners for Clean Air Illinois offers the following suggestions and tips on how businesses and residents can take actions to reduce contributions to air pollution:
- Take public transit, Rideshare, walk or bike.
- If driving, avoid idling, consolidate errands and run them after 7 p.m. when sunlight is not as strong.
- Reduce energy demands: Use energy efficient light bulbs; set your thermostat up at least 2 degrees or use a programmable thermostat; turn off and unplug electronics not in use; and set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees or lower.
- Use environmentally friendly household and cleaning products.
- Use a charcoal chimney or gas grill instead of lighter fluid when grilling.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment on Air Pollution Action Days.
- Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.
- Notify colleagues, friends and family to help protect their health and encourage actions.
- Sign-up to receive your air quality forecast via email at http://illinois.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm.
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