The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for part of the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: June 12. Code Orange air is forecast for DC and Northern Virginia and Suburban DC (Prince George’s County and Lower Montgomery County).
Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.
COG advises the following health precautions:
• Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
Air quality levels can vary across the region. Residents can check current air quality conditions near them on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website.
On unhealthy air days, COG advises area residents to take the following actions:
• Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
• Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
• Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
• Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.
COG, in partnership with the District Department of Energy & Environment and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, provides daily air quality forecasts for the Northern Virginia/District of Columbia region. Daily air quality forecasts for Suburban DC (Prince George’s County and Lower Montgomery County), Maryland Piedmont (Frederick County and Upper Montgomery County), and/or Southern Maryland (Charles and Calvert Counties) are provided by Maryland Department of the Environment.
COG also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.
The Council of Governments is an independent, nonprofit association where area leaders address regional issues affecting the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.