[Archived] Code Red Air Quality Alert Issued for Friday, July 18

The Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments has issued a Code Red air quality forecast for tomorrow, July 18. This forecast means air quality is expected to be unhealthy for all individuals. Children, the elderly and individuals with heart or respiratory ailments, emphysema, asthma or chronic bronchitis should restrict outdoor activities. Healthy individuals should limit strenuous outdoor work or exercise and outdoor activities.

In order to reduce emissions and prevent high levels of ground-level ozone from forming, all are strongly urged to

• Limit driving, and when possible, combine errands.
• Use area bus and rail lines, or share a ride to work. Alexandria’s DASH and most of the region’s major bus companies offer free service on Code Red Alert Days.
• Avoid mowing lawns or using other gasoline-powered equipment.
• Refuel vehicles after dusk.

For more information on ground-level ozone and how you can help, visit www.mwcog.org/environment/air/forecast/, call Office of Environmental Quality, Transportation & Environmental Services, at 703.838.4334, or visit alexandriava.gov/airquality