Ozone exists naturally in the air, but burning fossil fuels makes more. Hot days make levels rise further. And too much ozone can irritate people’s throats and lungs.

The Ozone Alert means the chemical is expected to approach unhealthy levels. To avoid contributing more ozone pollution during the alert, the DEQ provides the following tips:

• Carpool or ride the bus to work or school.
• Walk or ride a bicycle for short trips during morning hours when ozone levels are lower.
• Wait until evening to refuel your automobile or mow your lawn.
• Arrive and leave work a little earlier or later than usual to decrease rush-hour traffic.
• Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Make sure gas caps on vehicles, lawnmowers and other equipment are sealed properly.
• Combine errands to make one trip instead of several.
• Limit idling time in your vehicle.
• Limit the use of drive-through windows.
• Limit the use of charcoal starter fluid and other products that contain hydrocarbons.
• Postpone normally permissible outdoor burning to a non-Ozone Alert Day.
• Limit or postpone the use of two-cycle engines (i.e., lawnmowers, weed eaters, motor boats and motorcycles).
• Telework when possible to reduce vehicles on the road and emissions

If ozone levels get too high, the state will issue an Air Quality Health Advisory so people in sensitive populations — like the elderly, babies and people with respiratory problems — know to take precautions.

You can sign up to receive air quality notifications via text or email on the DEQ’s website.