The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) on Saturday and Sunday May 28 and 29 for ozone in Maricopa County.

Ozone is expected to jump above the exceedance threshold this weekend. Anticipate hourly ozone values to ramp up by early afternoon and reach maximum values by mid-afternoon through early evening on both Saturday and Sunday.

Employers and Travel Reduction Program Transportation Coordinators are advised to activate their HPA Plans immediately. ADEQ further recommends that the general public limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

ADEQ, MCAQD and Valley Metro recommend residents and businesses use the following tips and resources to reduce ozone pollution and make the air healthier to breathe:

-Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute.

-Re-fuel your vehicle after dark.

-Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside.

-Visit valleymetro.org and ShareTheRide.com to plan a transit trip or seek a carpool or vanpool.

-Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers and delay big painting projects.

-Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.

Visit cleanairmakemore.com to learn more about reducing air pollution.