SC Connecticut News

(Norwalk, Conn.) On June 16, Mayor Rilling announced that the City of Norwalk has launched a Norwalk Air Quality Monitor Hub webpage. The Hub is managed by the Norwalk Health Department and compiles up-to-date information, guidance, and resources to inform and empower our community, should we continue to experience the air quality impacts from the ongoing wildfires in Canada or elsewhere. 

The air quality index (AQI), a measure of pollutants and other air quality metrics, has fluctuated significantly in Connecticut as a result of the Canadian wildfires. Air quality levels can change throughout the day due to evolving wind and other conditions. Therefore, it’s important for residents to monitor air quality regularly and be prepared to take the necessary precautions, especially those with heart or lung disease, as well as older adults, children, and teens. 

The Norwalk Air Quality Monitor Hub webpage can be accessed at the City’s main webpage at https://www.norwalkct.gov/air. It gives residents the ability to monitor the conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and includes helpful tips on how everyone can protect themselves when Norwalk is experiencing poor air quality. 

The Norwalk Health Department reminds residents that if air quality worsens, you can protect yourself by: closing doors and windows to keep smoke out of homes and businesses, wearing N95 and KN95 masks to filter smoke, operating air purifiers indoors, cleaning and replacing/updating air handler/air conditioner unit filters, and moving activities to the indoors.

Residents can also register for air quality alerts from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow EnviroFlash system at https://www.enviroflash.info/.

Original source can be found here.