Smog Season is Here

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Week of May 5 2008

Smog Season is Here

2007-2008 Newsletters

Smog Season Is Here
What is a Smog Alert Day?
A Smog Alert Day is a day when the levels of ozone and/or the particle pollution are expected to exceed
federal limits.
How is a Smog Alert Day determined?
Each day, a team of forecasters meets to review the weather, historical traffic patterns and other factors to determine if the next day’s conditions will be conducive to the formation of excessive ground-level ozone and/or particle pollution. Based on their scientific evaluation, an air quality level is forecast for the next day. This number is then converted into an Air Quality Index (AQI) value. AQI values are broken
down into five levels, each of which is assigned a color code. When the following day’s AQI is expected to exceed 100 (Code Orange), The Clean Air Campaign declares a Smog Alert Day.
How do you know if it is a Smog Alert Day?
The Clean Air Campaign notifies Better Air Schools, members of the public and the news media of
Smog Alert Days via email.
Variable message signs on interstates announce “Smog Alert Day Tomorrow (or Today),” as appropriate.
A Smog Alert status box is activated on The Clean Air Campaign Web site. Additional local news media outlets are encouraged to announce Smog Alerts.
What happens when a Smog Alert Day is called?
Everyone, including Better Air Schools, is asked to encourage specific actions that will decrease smogforming
emissions. Things you can do include:
Don’t idle: turn off your engine when dropping off or picking up your child at school.
Instead of driving, let your child ride the bus or walk to school, which also improves neighborhood
traffic and safety on the school grounds.
Refill your gas tank after 6 PM – then escaping vapors won’t contribute to smog formation.
At home, conserve energy and reduce or avoid use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
Through the Better Air Schools program, you, your children and your entire school community can be
empowered to make a difference in cleaning up our air.
Making a positive impact on your community's air quality is entirely up to you, so do your share to repair
the air!