Community Corner
Marple Newtown's Air Forecast is Unhealthy For Some
Ozone levels are expected to reach Code Orange.
Friday is another Air Quality Action Day with Code Orange pollutant levels expected.
That means the air quality is considered to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
“Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors,“ according to AirNow.
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The AirNow forecast says ozone levels are expected to be high. Heat indexes are expected to reach between 102 and 107 degrees as well, according the National Weather Service, with the highest heat indexes between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Saturday's heat index values are expected between 98 and 103 Saturday, but thunderstorms and a cold front are expected late Saturday and Saturday night, bringing an end to the heat wave.
Find out what's happening in Marple Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What You Can Do
For Air Quality Action Days, such as Friday, AirNow suggests you help prevent air pollution by taking public transit, refueling your vehicle at night and conserving energy in your home.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PUC, also wants to remind people to conserve during severe heat and humidity. The PUC suggests:
On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods of time
If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use
Make sure all air conditioner filters are clean and in good shape
Turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible
Postpone using appliances that produce heat such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until after 7 p.m. These appliances also use significant amounts of electricity adding to the demand on an electric infrastructure that is already stressed during peak hours due to heat
Keep drapes closed and shades drawn. The amount of energy required to cool your home will be considerably less
Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear
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