'Unhealthy' Air Quality Forecast for Stratford Friday

STRATFORD, CT - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued an advisory that Westport's air quality on tomorrow, July 22, will be "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

That determination is reached when the Air Quality Index is predicted to fall between 101 and 150, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

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AQI is measured between 0 and 500, with air quality between 0 and 50 deemed as "Good," and between 51 and 100 being "Moderate." When the index is between 151 and 200, air quality is "Unhealthy." Above that is "Very Unhealthy" and "Hazardous."

Stratford's AQI on Friday is predicted to be 119.

The department makes the following recommendations for how people should deal with such situations:

• Conserve energy at home and at work by setting your [air conditioner] thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter.
• Choose a cleaner commute: share a ride or use public transportation.
• During winter-time particulate matter events, cut back on wood stove use during stagnant atmospheric conditions.
• Reduce use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Refuel motor vehicles after dusk.
• Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling.
• Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when unhealthy air is forecast.

For further information, visit the CT DEEP air quality website.