Dear SSFUSD Community:
Please be advised that we are actively monitoring air quality conditions in South San Francisco and the surrounding local area which, over the course of this week, may be affected by the Kincade Fire northeast of Geyserville, in addition to fires in Vallejo and Lafayette.
While the Kincaid Fire has now burned over 50,000 acres, the smoke is currently concentrated in and around Sonoma County. Possible changes in wind direction at any time can spread the smoky air into and throughout the greater Bay Area.
Please note that we follow the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAMQD) Air Quality Index (AQI) which measures levels of health concern:
- 0 – 50 Good, no health effects
- 51 – 100 Moderate
- 101 – 150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
- 151 – 200 Unhealthy
- 201 – 300 Very Unhealthy
- 301 – 500 Hazardous
If we reach levels within the 101-150 range, which is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, students with known respiratory conditions such as asthma will be encouraged to refrain from outdoor activities that involve heavy physical exertion, such as athletic practices. All outdoor school activities would continue as normal, and we would continue to closely monitor air quality for possible changes.
If we reach levels over 151, which would be Unhealthy, we will activate our limited outdoor activity protocol for the remainder of the day. We would direct our school sites to avoid prolonged periods of outdoor exposure. This includes modifying daily activity that would otherwise be conducted outdoors, such as moving physical education classes, lunch activities, recess, outdoor rallies, sporting events, etc., to indoor facilities, or in some cases, cancellation of activities.
Under the above circumstances in which an AQI level of 101 and above is reached, parents/guardians of students with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or other sensitive health issues, may choose to pick up students early from school or keep their students at home. Absences for this reason will be excused. We encourage any students with health issues which are exacerbated by the present condition, and those who experience any difficulties as a result of the air quality, to immediately notify school staff.
As we will be actively monitoring conditions in South San Francisco and all local areas of our schools, we will provide further updates as conditions may change throughout the week.
Please note that school remains in session as regularly scheduled.
For the most recent information and changes in air quality status please visit http://www.baaqmd.gov/ or https://airnow.gov.