The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has issued an ozone alert for the Lawton metro area for Saturday, triggering an“Ozone Air Quality Action Alert Day”through the Lawton Metropolitan Planning Organization. Ozone concentrations are expected to approach levels of concern, and state officials say the pollution may linger overnight rather than clearing out. If monitors reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, an Air Quality Health Advisory will be issued.
The people most at risk are children, older adults, and anyone living with lung or heart conditions, including asthma. Symptoms to watch for include throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you fall into one of those groups, consider moving your outdoor exercise or yard work to the early morning hours and taking breaks if you start feeling off. Parents with kids in weekend sports should keep an eye on how their players are breathing during afternoon games.
There are simple ways everyone can help reduce ozone formation on Saturday. Carpool or combine errands into a single trip, avoid letting your car idle in drive-thru lines, wait until evening to refuel, and postpone any outdoor burning. These steps are small on their own, but they add up when an entire community pitches in. How do you usually adjust your weekend routine when an air quality alert comes out? Let us know on our Facebook page.
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Local Lawton
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