Ride RIPTA on Air Quality Alert Days

Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s this week, and while the heat is a welcome relief from the winter that just passed, that also means Thursday is an "Air Quality Alert Day."

Lenny Giuliano from the DEM, and Robert Vanderslice from the Department of Health, joined The Rhode Show to explain the Air Quality Alert program.

The program is designed to help protect public health by issuing an alert on days when air quality is unhealthy due to a high level of particle pollution and/or ozone. It also provides tips to help protect health on Air Quality Alert Days and keep the air cleaner.

The program is in effect all year round although ozone levels may be at their highest levels from May through September, fine particle pollutants (also known as Particulate Matter or PM) can reach unhealthy levels in winter.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is responsible for forecasting “Air Quality Alert Days” by 2:00 p.m. the previous day.

To help improve air quality, RIPTA offers free trips on all regular fixed-route bus and trolley routes on Air Quality Alert Days.

Tips for fighting air pollution & improving air quality

• Drive less. Carpool, walk and bike whenever possible. Or use transit.
• Drive smart: use moderate speeds, avoid jackrabbit starts, and limit idling. If you’re looking for a new car, buy a low or ultra-low emission one.
• When ozone levels are high, limit or don’t use small engines, gasoline-powered lawn mowers and garden equipment, chemical based household and workshop products and charcoal lighter fluids.
• When fine particle levels are high don’t burn leaves, trash and other materials or use gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Indoors, eliminate tobacco smoke and eliminate or reduce the use of candles, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

Help Clean up the Air Act Now to Fight Air Pollution

On Air Quality Alert Days, avoid unnecessary driving.

To reduce air pollution on those days, RIPTA offers FREE rides on its clean diesel buses and clean fuel (CNG) trolleys statewide.

For RIPTA route and schedule information, call (401) 781-9400 or visit www.ripta.com and click on Schedules & Fares.

For Air Quality Alert updates and information, call 222-2808 or visit www.state.ri.us/dem and click on Air Quality.

Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid weather:

Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.

Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.

Stay indoors as much as possible.

If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.

Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.

Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.

Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

Check on family, friends and neighbors.

In normal weather, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain normal temperature.