Trumbull Emergency Management regularly receives updates from the State Department of Emergency Management regarding the air quality resulting from Canadian wildfires.
At 10:15 this morning, (06/07/23), the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security issued a statement informing city and 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.
It is recommended that people with breathing issues avoid outdoor physical activity. Those without breathing issues should avoid prolonged outside exposure. Consideration for moving outdoor activities indoors should be taken at this time. Please check the State of Connecticut DEEP website for further information https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Air/Forecasting/AQI/Air-Quality-Index
From the Connecticut Department of Public Health: Addressing Poor Air Quality
• According to AirNow, the air quality for Wednesday, June 7, most of Connecticut is listed as Unhealthy due to wildfire smoke from Canada. This is expected to continue into Thursday as well.
• DPH recommends using AirNow, to see the current and forecasted air quality in your area. AirNow has an interactive map that shows the air quality and provides additional recommendations for outside activities.
• DPH encourages schools, day care providers, summer camps and elder care/senior centers to subscribe to the AirNow for real-time updates in their cities/towns. See the charts below for information on school activities and messaging.
• Those with underlying medical conditions, children, and the elderly are considered sensitive populations and are most at risk for experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution that is expected today and should remain indoors.
• The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends that people with asthma, and heart and lung conditions avoid outdoor exercise today.
• The health effects from air pollution can include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, throat irritation, respiratory tract and eye burning, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, and other symptoms. Asthma symptoms may flare up as well.