A Special Air Quality Statement has just been issued for our region due to wildfire smoke.
Smoke conditions during wildfires can change rapidly and vary significantly from one area to another, even hour by hour. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Common symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. Less common but more serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pain, or a severe cough. If anyone is experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical attention.
In response to this advisory, our schools have been asked to take the following steps:
- Limit time outdoors for students and staff.
- Consider reducing, rescheduling, or moving outdoor sports, activities, and events indoors.
- When indoors, keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering.
Please note that the HVAC systems are running continuously. All schools' air handling systems (HVAC) use MERV-13 filters, which are effective in capturing smoke particulates.