Spokane Air Quality
M E M O R A N D U M
To: The Gonzaga University Community
From: Joe Madsen, Coordinator, Emergency Operations Center – Air Quality
Date: September 5, 2017
RE: UPDATE: Spokane Air Quality
This memo updates information originally distributed to campus on September 4, 2017. The poor air quality in Spokane continues due to wildfires around the Inland Northwest. Air quality is expected to continue to be within the Very Unhealthy to Hazardous range for the remainder of today, tomorrow, and possibly longer (Source: Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency).
Limit Activities
Based on this information, Gonzaga University requests campus community members limit exposure outdoors. This means events planned for outdoors must be moved indoors or cancelled, including intramurals and Athletic events. On a case-by-case basis, supervisors will limit outdoor activities that are required to be performed by employees, such as trash collection, specialized maintenance, etc., until air quality improves. Students should contact Health & Counseling Services 509-313-4052 about any specific activities where special permission to continue outdoors may be needed. This guidance will be re-evaluated when it drops to the trigger-point of “unhealthy.”
Classes Remain in Session
Guidance from the Spokane Regional Health District for schools notes that indoor activities continue to be safe, and limited outdoor exposure (walking to class) is not problematic.
General Information
Remember that when smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience irritation. Typical symptoms are coughing, scratchy throat, shortness of breath, and stinging eyes, among others. For individuals who are sensitive to poor air quality, the high smoke levels can have a much stronger impact. We strongly recommend that those individuals keep medications and inhalers nearby at all times.
All Gonzaga community members are encouraged to follow the health tips below:
- Pay attention to the air quality reports. Updated color-coded reports can be found on the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency website.
- Modify your activities. Minimize exertion when the air quality is poor.
- If you must be outdoors, take plenty of breaks. Stay hydrated by accessing water fountains and water bottle filling stations across campus.
- Keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible.
- If your office or residence hall room has an air conditioner that was provided by Gonzaga, running it may help, but make sure that the fresh air intake vent is closed and the filter is clean. If not, turn the system off.
We urge everyone to stay informed. You can check the Spokane Regional Health District’s web site for information on monitoring air quality, limiting exposure and other essential questions.
For students who have concerns about their health, you can contact Health & Counseling Services during their regular business hours at 509-313-4052 or e-mail us at studenthealth@gonzaga.edu.