LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day for high ozone levels on Sunday, August 20. 

The IDEM has provided steps to protect yourself as hot weather makes its way into the region, specifically in Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, La Porte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer and Valparaiso. 

Lasting for a 24-hour period, Air Quality Action Days can affect children, the elderly, anyone with heart or lung conditions, making it difficult to breathe. 

Ground level ozone forms during hot weather conditions combined with fuel exhaust, factory emissions or gasoline vapors. 

The IDEM lists suggestions on how to develop healthier habits to help reduce the ozone. 

• Consult drive less options: carpooling, public transportation or bike/walking to destinations. 
• Combine errands into one trip.
• Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gas powered lawn equipment until after 7:00 p.m.
• Keep your engine tuned and don't let your engine idle.
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above.

Keep an eye on air quality alerts on SmogWatch.IN.gov.