Today is supposed to be particularly nasty ? a code red air quality day, code red heat advisory in effect, and code yellow national security threat level ? unless you’re flying, in which case it’s orange.
Feel like you need a scorecard? Here it is.
The Air Quality Index, provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment and reported by Clean Air Partners daily and live online, measures five major pollutants regulated by the federal Clean Air Act: particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Code Red air quality is unhealthy, meaning “everyone may experience health effects and should limit their outdoor activity; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.”
Translation: If you have asthma or other chemical sensitivities you should avoid spending too much time outdoors, and bring your rescue inhaler if you can’t avoid the swelter.
Clean Air Partners is a nonprofit partnership chartered by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.
Code Red Heat Alerts ? issued by the City of Baltimore ? predict high temperatures and risk of heat stroke or fatigue, and trigger the opening of emergency cooling centers.
Whether you’ve overdone it and need a break or don’t have a cool place to escape, each center will have cool air, water, and ice available.
Their predictions are based on the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System and the National Weather Service And if anybody outside of government employees is still keeping score, the United States government’s national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow, indicating “Significant risk of terrorist attacks,” according to the Department of Homeland Security Web site.
However, DHS also offers consolation: “At this time there is no credible information warning of an imminent, specific threat to the homeland.”
HOT AIR
The Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:
Drink plenty of water or juice.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Wipe skin with cool water as needed.
Reduce outside activities.
Wear light weight and light-colored clothing.
Stay inside during the hottest time of day.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Confusion
Nausea
Light-headedness
High body temperature with cool and clammy skin. Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations.
Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat.
City residents seeking information on the cooling centers can call 311. Anyone experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
CLEAN AIR
Protect yourself and others in your care by taking the appropriate actions. Making small changes in your lifestyle at home, at work, and on the road can make a big difference.
At Home
Postpone mowing and trimming or use electric garden equipment.
Postpone painting or use water-based paint instead of oil-based paint.
Replace your charcoal grill with a propane gas grill.
Choose ENERGY STAR appliances and lighting.
Cut back on heating and air conditioning when you can and turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
Clean air conditioning filters each month.
At Work
Employers have a unique opportunity to make a difference. They can promote programs that help employees make positive lifestyle changes. For example, employers can encourage staff to use public transportation or carpool. Employers also can give employees the option of working from home.
Keep driving to a minimum.
Fill up your gas tank during evening hours. Avoid spilling gas and topping off the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
Have your car tuned regularly by replacing the oil and air filter, and keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
Carpool or use public transportation when possible.
Combine your errands into one trip.
Avoid revving or idling your engine.
Avoid long drive-through lines; instead, park your car and go in.
Looking for a new vehicle? Consider purchasing a fuel-efficient model or a hybrid that runs on an electric motor and gasoline engine.
