INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability has declared a Knozone Action Day for June 21, 2022. This will be the third such designation of this year’s summer season, and it comes after a recommendation from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) following concerns about high ozone levels amidst this week’s heat.
With temperatures expected to reach nearly 100 F tomorrow, it is advised that residents take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep informed of weather updates. To limit contributions to heightened ozone levels, residents can work to refrain from using gas-powered lawn equipment, avoid idling when driving gas-powered vehicles (or simply avoid vehicle use altogether where possible), and wait on refueling gas-powered vehicles and equipment until after 7 PM.
The Office of Public Health and Safety offers the following safety tips to help residents and visitors stay safe during periods of extreme heat:
- Stay hydrated. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol and caffeine can lead to dehydration.
- Check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly and those without access to air conditioning.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- When outside, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned room.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
- Look before you lock! Pay special attention when locking up vehicles to ensure no children or pets are left inside. Temperatures inside a car can become lethal in a matter of minutes.
- Bring pets indoors and ensure they have plenty of water to drink.
- Carry an umbrella for immediate shade while out enjoying festivities.
Ozone levels are a public health issue. To protect residents and local air quality, the Office of Sustainability issues Knozone Action Days when ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels rise above certain thresholds. During Knozone Action Days, the air quality may become unhealthy for sensitive individuals. Those categorized as sensitive groups, especially active children, the elderly, and anyone suffering from asthma, lung disease, COVID-19, or other serious health problems, should aim to stay inside.