Recent wildfires in the Oregon and Northern California regions have caused smoke to drift south, prompting Campus Safety and Risk Management to issue a warning about the current local air quality. 

“The University is currently monitoring the air quality due to smoke from regional wildfires in our area. The campus receives and monitors air quality information from a variety of different sources throughout the day,” the beginning of the warning stated. 

These are the recommendations from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District were also provided for when air quality is above 150 (Unhealthy):

1. Limit your outdoor activities, especially for children and people with chronic heart and lung diseases. 

2. Remain inside air-conditioned buildings. Note: If you do not have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter. 

3. If you have asthma or other lung diseases, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. 

4. If you are an older adult, have children, or if you have heart or lung diseases, talk with your doctor about whether you should leave the area. 

CSU Stanislaus Health Center Dr. Navid Javan stressed listening to your body and having a rescue inhaler with an asthma action plan. 

“If you’re having chest pains you might be having asthma symptoms,” Dr. Javan said.

He then went on to inform students about the services offered on campus. Peak Flow Meters are devices that detect how well air flows through the lungs, and are available if needed. 

For those deciding to stay indoors, Dr. Javan recommended keeping windows closed, changing air filters, and making your room “your clean air sanctuary” because the air is controlled in that environment.

When driving a vehicle, he recommends keeping the windows down and letting air circulate. 

Jessica Faletti-Garza (Senior, English) spoke about how she dealt with the poor air quality.

“The air quality made me nervous and more cautious. I made sure to wear a mask not because of my health but because I’m more conscious of the air I’m breathing,” she said.

The National Weather Service has the Air Quality Alert in effect until 11:00 AM September 1st but also states the alert will stay in effect until fires are extinguished. 

Stanislaus State has created the Stan State Wildfire Smoke web page to keep the campus community updated on the current air quality in the Turlock and Stockton campuses.

On the page, a statement from the university mentions, “Unless the AQI remains/sustains at ‘very unhealthy’ levels (201-300) for a significant number of consecutive hours, we expect our campus to remain open.”