What is an Ozone Alert?
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Ozone Alert notification system (text and/or email) brings citizens, business, industry and government in the ACOG area (Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma counties) together to voluntarily reduce ozone-forming emissions on days vulnerable to high ozone levels.
Ozone pollution can be harmful to human health and those most at risk include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are outdoors, especially outdoor workers.
On Ozone Alert Days people at risk from ozone pollution are encouraged to take precautions – avoiding outdoor exertion and staying indoors.
About Ozone Alert Days
An Ozone Alert Day is a day forecasted to have higher than healthy levels of ozone. Between March and November, emissions called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released from internal combustion engines chemically react in sunlight on hot, windless days and form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, working with the National Weather Forecast, predicts days when conditions may cause unhealthy levels of ozone in Central Oklahoma and declares it an Ozone Alert Day.
According to the EPA, “ground level ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). This happens when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight.
Ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments, but can still reach high levels during colder months. Ozone can also be transported long distances by wind, so even rural areas can experience high ozone levels.”
If you care about clean air, text OZONE to 41372 to receive Ozone Alert Day texts* from ACOG.
*After signing up to receive Ozone text alerts if at any time you wish to no longer receive texts from ACOG, reply STOP to 41372 to opt out. If you need assistance after receiving an OZONE alert, please type HELP to 41372 for help. Standard message and data rates apply. The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it. Read the Terms and Conditions here. Read the ACOG Privacy Policy here.
Staff Contacts
Eric Pollard
Air Quality & Clean Cities Manager
OZONE ALERT DAY TIPS
Help Your Fellow Oklahomans Breathe Easier
Cleaner Commute
Choose a cleaner commute; share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
Engine Idling
Limit engine idling, avoid congested roadways and drive-thrus. Delay your errands and reduce vehicle trips.
Refueling
Refuel vehicles after dusk.
Conserve Energy
Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner to a higher temperature. Pre-cool your home during non-peak hours.
Outdoor Activities
Delay gas-powered lawn mowing and landscape maintenance. Avoid outdoor burning. Abstain from using higher VOC household chemicals and paints.
Ozone Alert Day History
For more in-depth information on past Central Oklahoma Ozone Alert Days (dating back to 2002), please complete an Open Records Request.