Air Quality Alert - Unhealthy

Town of East Hartford Recommends Residents Be Cautious About Outdoor Activities Due to Poor Air Quality Conditions

The Town of East Hartford is advising residents local air quality conditions are currently deemed “unhealthy for all” due to very dense smoke from the recent Canadian wildfires. “We encourage residents to take every precaution when conducting outdoor activities during this time of poor air quality, if possible avoid being outside and move all activities indoors” said East Hartford Mayor Michael Walsh.  The Town regularly receives updates from the State Department of Emergency Management regarding air quality conditions; as of this afternoon, the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security issued a statement informing Town officials of the declining air quality that is occurring over Connecticut today. It is predicted that Connecticut air quality standards may drop to “very unhealthy” levels this afternoon through early morning Thursday.

The Town is encouraging residents to reduce their risk while unhealthy air quality conditions.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Keep outdoor activities short.

Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

Choose less strenuous activities (like walking) so you don’t breathe as hard.

Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.

Be active outdoors when air quality is better.

Children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart and lung conditions are most at risk for experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution.  Even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors for work or exercise should minimize their outdoor exposure as current air quality conditions can impact those not considered vulnerable.

In addition, individuals can visit www.AirNow.gov and search the current air quality for their zip code or do the same by downloading the mobile AirNow app.  If residents have questions regarding your risk of experiencing symptoms or recommendations, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324.  The Town will continue to monitor air quality conditions and share updates.