Ozone Action Season

Some days are more prone to high ozone levels than others, especially summer days when temperatures climb above 90 degrees and the winds are less than 10 miles per hour. When a high ozone level is predicted, an ozone advisory for the next day will be issued to businesses, industry, governmental and media organizations. They, in turn, will then notify their employees, and the public, that the atmospheric conditions are conducive to the formation of high levels of ozone. On days when ozone advisories are issued, everyone will be asked to take certain precautions to reduce emissions. These voluntary actions will help maintain our air quality. North East Texas Air Care (NETAC) and local governments are coordinating efforts for public outreach through television, website, and telephone notifications.

Ozone Action Day Notification

On Ozone Action Days the City of Longview flies orange notification flags at a number of city facilities and ALL city fire stations.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) sends daily e-mail alerts for Ozone Action Days. If you would like to be notified by the TCEQ about Ozone Action Days, click here.

For notification on weekends and holidays, please check the TCEQ Air Quality Index Report

How You Can Help

It may come as a surprise to know that routine tasks such as keeping our homes clean, our yards green and even driving our vehicles can contribute to ozone formation. So what can you do to help?

• Drive less.
• Organize a carpool, walk or ride your bike.
• Don't idle the engine of your vehicle for extended periods.
• Postpone filling your tank on hot, sunny days until late in the afternoon.
• Keep your car tuned up. Emissions from one poorly maintained vehicle equal that of 25 properly functioning cars.
• Insulate and weather-strip your home.
• Run dishwasher and washing machines only when fully loaded.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Set your thermostat between 76-78 degrees in the summer.
• When using a gas mower, wait until late evening to mow the lawn.
• Apply paint with rollers and brushes instead of sprays to cut down on fumes and to save paint