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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

UPDATED: Tuesday is another Bad Air Day in Charlestown

Be careful out there
Ninigret Pond & Block Island seen thru ozone haze
By Will Collette

The National Weather Service has issued another air quality alert for Tuesday that extends from 11 AM to 11 PM due to unhealthy levels of ground ozone, especially in our area and all along the south coast.

They have also added a HEAT ADVISORY from 1 PM to 7 PM warning that the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel like the temperature is 104 degrees.


Children, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses are advised to take precautions.
 
RIPTA buses will be free tomorrow – although since Charlestown is one of the only towns in the entire state without a RIPTA bus stop, you would need to either drive your nasty, polluting car or peddle your bike in the bad air to catch the bus.
Other recommended actions include:
  • Limit driving. Avoid unnecessary car trips. Carpool, walk or ride the bus or a bicycle whenever possible.
  • Minimize starts and avoid unnecessary acceleration. Vehicle emissions are highest during starting and acceleration.
  • Reduce idling. Avoid congested traffic and lines at drive-through windows.
  • Drive your lowest emission vehicle. Use the most fuel-efficient, usually the newest, car you have whenever possible.
  • Refuel at stations, which have vapor recovery. Fill your tank at a station which is equipped with a Stage II vapor recovery system. Don't top off.
  • Maintain your vehicle. Get a tune-up at the beginning of each summer.
  • Minimize lawn mower emissions. Tune-up your lawn mower and use electric or handpowered equipment if possible.
  • Limit use of solvent-based household products. Use water-based or low solvent paints, varnishes, cleaners, and personal care products.
  • Limit barbecue emissions. Use an electric starter instead of lighter fluid to start charcoal fires, or use an electric, natural gas, or propane grill.