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Air Quality School Response Plan

Air Quality Response Plan

 

School Air Quality Activity Recommendations

The following school activity recommendations are based on consultation with health researchers and important principles drawn from recent studies, similar to guidance used across Bay Area school districts.

 

Activity

LEVEL 1AQI 0-50PM2.5 0-12 µg/m3

LEVEL 2AQI 51-100PM2.5 13-35 µg/m3

LEVEL 3AQI 101-150PM2.5 36-55 µg/m3

LEVEL 4AQI 151-200PM2.5 56-150 µg/m3

LEVEL 5AQI 201 or higherPM2.5 150+ µg/m3

Recess (15 min)

No restrictions

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Sensitive individuals should exercise indoors or avoid vigorous outdoor activities.*

Exercise indoors or avoid vigorous outdoor activities.

Sensitive individuals should remain indoors.*

No outdoor activity.

All activities should be moved indoors.

P.E. (1 hr)

No restrictions

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Sensitive individuals should exercise indoors or avoid vigorous outdoor activities.*

Exercise indoors or limit vigorous outdoor activities to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Sensitive individuals should remain indoors.*

No outdoor activity.

All activities should be moved indoors.

Athletic Practice & Training (2-4 hrs)

No restrictions

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Reduce vigorous exercise to 30 minutes per hour of practice time with increased rest breaks and substitutions.

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Exercise indoors or reduce vigorous exercise to 30 minutes per practice time with increased rest breaks and substitutions.

Sensitive individuals should remain indoors.*

No outdoor activity.

All activities should be moved indoors.

Scheduled Sporting Events

No restrictions

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Increase rest breaks and substitutions per CIF guidelines for extreme heat.**

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Increase rest breaks and substitutions per CIF guidelines for extreme heat.**

Ensure that sensitive individuals are medically managing their condition.*

Event should be rescheduled or relocated.

* Sensitive individuals include all those with asthma or other heart/lung conditions.   ** California Interscholastic Federation

 

 

AQI Level Overview

AUSD schools can stay open during most instances when smoke from wildfires is present in the East Bay. Classrooms are equipped with HEPA air purification units that function effectively with windows opened or closed. Air quality monitoring systems help the district track temperature, humidity, and particulate matter in classrooms, common areas, and offices. When outdoor air quality drops to unhealthy levels, schools shift routine outdoor functions such as recess, lunch, and physical education (P.E.) indoors, similar to standard rainy-day protocols.  

Determination of AQI Levels

The district assesses AQI using several measurement and predictive tools.

We use the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) measurement to determine our AQI response. BAAQMD provides local Albany air quality data and advisory messages when poor air quality is forecast.

The district also consults AirNow, which provides a regional AQI level updated regularly and five-day AQI forecasts that allow for advance planning at our schools. We also review localized, real-time PurpleAir AQI readings as supplementary information to BAAQMD.

 

 

Response to Poor Air Quality

The district's response to AQI levels is summarized below:

  • AQI 51–100: Sensitive individuals (those with asthma or heart/lung conditions) should be observed to ensure they are able to manage their conditions.
  • AQI 101–150: Sensitive individuals should exercise indoors or avoid vigorous outdoor activities. Teachers may elect to close windows based on local conditions. Coaches will reduce vigorous exercise to 30 minutes per hour of practice time with increased rest breaks and substitutions.
  • AQI 151–200: Classroom windows will be closed, and students will eat and exercise indoors during the school day. Coaches will move practices indoors or reduce vigorous exercise to 30 minutes. Schools will select the largest available indoor space(s) for lunch.
  • AQI 201+: AUSD leadership will meet to consider closing schools as a safety measure. Decisions about school closures for very high AQI events will take place on a case-by-case basis, given that every situation is unique.

AQI events may be further complicated by a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to wind conditions in the East Bay. A power outage at an AUSD school could impact the district's ability to operate air purification units.

Communication

All staff and families will receive a notification about a pending school closure due to high AQI levels. This page will be updated with closure information, and the district will post messages on social media.


 

Heat Mitigation

Keeping Your Student Cooler

  • Bring water bottles to school to ensure students stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Stay away from really cold drinks or drinks with too much sugar.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help stay cool.
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Tips for Reducing Heat in Classrooms

  • In the early morning, keep windows open to allow cooler morning air inside. Close the windows by about 9:00 a.m. when temperatures start to rise.
  • Keep the lights off during the morning and throughout the day.
  • Keep air purifiers on to circulate air.
  • Keep windows and blinds closed throughout the day.
  • Avoid using projectors and other similar equipment that produce heat.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Resources

Extreme Heat Preparedness

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Information & Resources

AQI events may be further complicated by a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to wind conditions in the East Bay. For the latest status in your area, enter an address at PG&E's PSPS page.

  • PSPS Events
  • Community Resource Centers
  • Wildfire Preparedness
  • Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
  • Prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff
  • Power Outage Information Sheet
  • Public Safety Power Shutoff Fact Sheet

 

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