TO: Campus Community
FR: Missy Brunetta, Director for Emergency Services and Associate Risk Manager
With instruction beginning tomorrow in an unprecedented academic climate, health and safety remain paramount at SSU. It is out of an abundance of caution that we are notifying the campus community of a potential poor air quality event tomorrow resulting from smoke from the Dixie Fire in northern California.
Due to a forecasted shift in winds, SSU is expected to be impacted by wildfire smoke in the next 36-hour period. Much of the smoke will arrive overnight tonight and continue through tomorrow, August 18. While at this time, we feel confident this will not significantly impact campus operations, we are taking this opportunity to inform you of this potential air quality event in advance.
SSU’s Office of Emergency Services continues to monitor the status of this potential air quality event. Below summarizes the University’s response plan in the event this forecast is confirmed.
N-95 Masks
In the event the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains above 150 during a 30-minute period, SSU will make N-95 masks available to the campus community. N-95 masks will be available for students, faculty, and staff as supply allows. N-95 masks can be worn up to 24 hours of use before replacement.
Masks will be available at the following locations:
- Student Center Information and Tickets desk
- Seawolf Service Center, Salazar Hall
- University Library, 2nd floor
- REACH Office, Zinfandel Village
- South Parking Information Booth
Considerations of Impacts on Campus
If conditions warrant a change in campus operations, we will make every effort to minimize disruptions to our campus community. Operational changes may include:
- Distribution of N-95 masks to the campus community
- The opening of a clear air shelter
- Suspension of outdoor competitive and recreational athletic activities
- Consideration of relocation or suspension of outdoor activities to limit exposure where possible
Employee Workplace Information
Information on the Cal/OSHA and employee information on wildfire smoke can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Future Updates or Changes
Any updates to information included in this message will be communicated before 7:30 a.m. tomorrow.
For any incident-related questions or concerns, please email emergency@sonoma.edu.