The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day and is forecasting high ozone levels through Tuesday for our area. This includes:

Bartholomew County
Jackson County
Scott County
Brown County
Johnson County
Monroe County
Shelby County
Washington County

IDEM is encouraging you to take steps to reduce ozone. They suggest things such as carpooling, walking, biking, using public transportation, avoid using drive-throughs, combine errands into one trip, avoid refueling your vehicle until after 7 p.m., avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m., avoid extended idling in your vehicle, turn off unneeded lights at home and setting your air conditioner to 75 degrees or above.

IDEM says that people who are sensitive to air quality will be the most affected during this time. Officials add that children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outside.