Unfortunately the state of California is in a significant drought and the 2021 wildfire season is upon us, one we are all too familiar with in our state and area. The impact of fires, smoke, and/or poor air quality is varied and complex.
Union School District refers to, and follows, the guidelines in the School Air Quality Activity Recommendations, which were created by the California Department of Education in partnership with the California Air Resources Board, California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, Association of California School Administrators, and California School Boards Association.
When the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), unhealthy (red), or higher (purple and maroon), district staff consistently checks the websites below to inform our decisions as to when we will recommend our school limit outdoor activities per guidelines from the CA Environmental Protection Agency.
Updated 8/19/2021: View additional air quality/COVID-19 guidance as it relates to school activities. USD schools will monitor air quality and adjust activities based on CA Department of Education and CA EPA guidance.
As we navigate the impact resulting from poor air quality, including wildfire smoke that can be felt hundreds of miles from its origin, please see the following tips for activities outside of school. When AQI is in the orange tier or higher these tips are useful to protect against smoke and COVID-19:
- Stay at home as much as possible with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside.
- Limit trips outside while air quality remains unhealthy.
- Continue to wear a face covering to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
- Minimize the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.