Indianapolis declares Knozone actions days for Sept. 17-18: Here's what you should know

Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

Knozone Action Days are being declared for Sept. 17 and Sept. 18 "as hot, sunny weather continues with light winds, creating potentially unhealthy ground-level amounts of ozone."

Temperatures are expected to peak around 87 degrees over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

Ground-level ozone is the primary contributor to smog in urban areas, a news release from the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability states. These will be the eighth and ninth Knozone Action Days in 2022.

The first 2022 Knozone Action Day was caused by a fire at the Walmart fulfillment center in Plainfield. June 14 was the first warm weather-related Knozone Action Day.

Knozone Action Days occur when increased ozone levels affect air quality for sensitive people, which include active children, elderly people and anyone with asthma, lung disease, COVID-19 or other health problems. If you or someone you know falls in these categories, officials say to stay inside.

Air pollutants can cause increased hospitalizations, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, COPD and premature death, officials said.

What can Indy Hoosiers do? Officials recommend fueling up after 7 p.m. and delaying the use of powered lawn equipment to reduce emissions during a Knozone Action Day.

Alongside the Knozone declaration, officials recommend the following if being exposed to heat for a prolonged time.

  • Stay hydrated. Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol or caffeine

  • Check on relatives, neighbors, the elderly and those without access to air conditioning.

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

  • If outside, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned room.

  • Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

  • Pay attention when locking up vehicles and check that no children or pets are left inside. Temperatures inside a car can become lethal in minutes.

  • Bring pets indoors and give them plenty of water to drink.

  • Carry an umbrella for immediate shade.

Also look out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Excessive sweating

  • Cool, pale and clammy skin

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Rapid, weak pulse

  • Muscle cramps

If you or someone else is experiencing heat exhaustion, seek air-conditioning, take a cool shower or use a cold compress, or drink water if the person is fully conscious, NWS recommended last week.

People experiencing symptoms of heat stroke should call 911 immediately.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

  • Throbbing headache

  • No sweating

  • Body temperature above 103 degrees

  • Losing consciousness

  • Red, hot and dry skin

  • Rapid, strong pulse

More information on Indiana's air quality here.

Hannah Brock contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Knozone days declared for Indianapolis amid September heat. What it means.