Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

What is an Ozone Action Day?

Ozone Alert Day

An Ozone Action Day is a day where an exceedance of the federal 8-hour ozone standard is forecasted. On Ozone Action Days, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection asks the community to take simple, voluntary actions to reduce their contribution to air pollution and in turn help prevent an exceedance of the federal standard.  However, all of these are actions that can be implemented everyday.   

refueling

Drive Less

  • Walk or ride a bicycle
  • Use public transportation
  • Combine errands
  • Join a carpool or vanpool
  • Telecommute

Be a Smart Driver

  • Refuel your vehicle after dusk
  • Stop refueling when the nozzle clicks off
  • Drive at fuel-saving, moderate speeds
  • Tune your car regularly
  • Avoid idling your vehicle unnecessarily
  • Test vehicle emissions on time
Hartford Bikes
lawnmower

In the Yard

  • Use electric or hand powered equipment
  • Reduce use of garden chemicals
  • Delay mowing your lawn or using gas powered garden equipment until evening
  • Refrain from recreational wood burning

Around the House

  • Set air conditioners to 78ยบ
  • Wait 'til 8 to use energy intensive appliances (washers, dishwashers etc.)
  • Use energy efficient products (LED light bulbs, Energy Star rated appliances etc.)
  • Buy environmentally-friendly cleaners
  • Avoid using aerosol products
  • Select water-based paint
washing machine

charging EV

Drive Clean

  • Consider purchasing or leasing a plug-in electric vehicle 
  • Learn about the benefits of EVs by visiting www.driveelectricus.com

Content Last Updated on June 13, 2018