Community Corner

On Top Of The Heat Wave, Air Quality Action Day Declared For Madison Thursday

On the heels of a multi-day heat wave in the Madison and the surrounding area, the state of Connecticut says there will be an air quality action day Thursday, meaning that air pollution levels of ground-level ozone and/or particles are predicted to be at the level of "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or above. 

The air quality alert is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday. The alert is in effect for southern Fairfield, southern Middlesex, southern New haven, and southern New London counties.

In addition, there is a heat advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday for coastal Connecticut and Long Island, the National Weather Service says. High levels of heat and humidity are expected.

"A heat advisory is issued if the heat index values reach 100 to 104 degrees. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911," the NWS says. 

Seniors in Madison who need an air-conditioned environment are always welcome at the Senior Center, town officials say. Read more in our earlier story.

Libraries are also great places to go for cooling centers, and activities to keep you occupied while inside. In Madison, the Scranton Memorial Library is open from 9 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. In Guilford, the Guilford Free Library is open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Durham library is open Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find out addresses, directions, and about events going on at each library, check the Scranton Memorial website, the Guilford Free Library website, and the Durham Library website. 

And remember that dogs cannot be chained outside during any kind of weather advisory, because it is now against state law. Read more in our earlier story about that state law that prohibits chaining animals outside during severe weather. In fact, animal experts recommend that dogs not be chained outside at all. 

Here is additional information from the state about the Air Quality Action Day: 


During the warm seasons, unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations may cause a variety of respiratory problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation. In the cold season, particle pollution predominates. Health effects such as: aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks, and even pre-mature death in people with heart and lung disease; have also been linked with prolonged exposure of particles.

  • Conserve energy at home and at work by setting your [air conditioner] thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter.
  • Choose a cleaner commute: share a ride or use public transportation.
  • During winter-time particulate matter events, cut back on wood stove use during stagnant atmospheric conditions.
  • Reduce use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
  • Refuel motor vehicles after dusk.
  • Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling.
  • Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when unhealthy air is forecast.
For further information, visit the CTDEP air quality web site at:
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2222&q=320646&depNav_GID=1744


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