SAN ANTONIO — State environment officials have issued the first Ozone Action Day of 2023 for San Antonio, saying high levels of air pollution are possible Thursday due to current atmospheric conditions.
Young children, older adults and anyone with respiratory issues may be affected if they're outside for a prolonged period of time. And the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is "strongly encouraging" that residents who have asthma or difficulty breathing stay indoors.
San Antonians can help reduce ozone pollution in the air with the following tips provided by Metro Health.
- Waiting to refuel cars and trucks until after 6 p.m.
- Going inside restaurants instead of using the drive-thru.
- Turning vehicles off instead of leaving them idling.
- Setting thermostats two to seven degrees higher between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., preferably at 78 degrees.
- Carpooling or using public transit.
- Combining family errands to reduce trips and vehicle mileage.
- Don't use gas-powered lawn equipment.
- Work from home, if possible.
The Environmental Protection Agency said just last fall that Bexar County's air quality was continuing to worsen, and TCEQ officials said at the time they would work to come up with a plan to bring the local air quality up to par.
>MORE LOCAL NEWS:
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE:
---
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.