August 2007 News
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Santa Barbara School Districts’ Air Quality Vigilance
Smoke and ash from the nearby Zaca fire have raised questions about local air quality and its impact on the health of our students. We are, and will continue to be, in communication with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department officials on this matter. Based on guidance from the health department, and recognizing that fire-related conditions are changing from day-to-day and hour-to-hour, we are advising school site administrators, coaches, and staff as follows:
Be aware and sensitive to preexisting respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma) as well as new respiratory sensitivities that that students/staff may be experiencing.
While the level of air quality our community is currently experiencing may be an irritant to the respiratory system, air quality is not at a level where the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a health alert. If/when that happens, notification will immediately be conveyed to all school site administrators and appropriate action will be taken as directed by the health department.
While the current air quality is not ideal, we have been informed by the health department that children and student athletes can participate in physical education (p.e.) classes and sports. Students will be informed that they should talk to their coach, p.e. instructor, playground supervisor, or other adult if an activity causes respiratory discomfort. If that is the case, the student will be directed to slow down or stop the activity. Our staff is vigilant and the safety of our students is their number one priority.
Please be advised that we will be monitoring the situation each school day.
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s Air Quality Index (AQI) summary can be viewed at: www.sbcapcd.org/airdata/dlywebaqi.htm