Turlock and Stockton Stan State campuses will remain closed until Monday, Nov. 19 due to poor air quality, according to an alert sent out on Stan State’s website.
As of Thursday, (10:00 am)  the Turlock Air Monitoring Data indicated a decrease in the Fine Particulate Matter to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Level 3, a good improvement in air quality compared to Wednesday (10:00 am), which prompted an alert for everyone to avoid outdoor activities if possible when the level rose to “Very Unhealthy” Level 5 conditions.

Hours later, (12:00 pm) the Turlock Air Monitoring Data began to rise again, alerting Turlock residents that it was not safe to go outdoors. Due to the fires remaining active, outdoor activity guidelines are expected to remain in place for several days in order to keep residents safe from inhaling the Fine Particular Matter.

Cassandra Melching, Outreach and Communications Representative with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District said, “Even though we might not be able see the Fine Particulate Matter in the air with the naked human eye, those particles are what’s causing the unhealthy air we’re breathing.”

“Burning eyes, sinus discomfort, scratchy throat, headaches or coughing are just a few of the symptoms the Fine Particulate Matter in the air can cause,” said Melching.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency has provided a public advisory with tips that will  protect your health during smokey situations.
Tools for Air Quality Updates

Keep up-to-date with the Real-Time Air Quality Advisory Network (RAAN) in your region if wildfires are occurring near your area.  The Valley Air website can offer a great tool that indicates the air quality in your own neighborhood. All you have to do is simply input your address and click search. It will provide an hourly update showing the necessary guidelines based on the level your neighborhood is categorized at.

The Valley Air website also offers a Valley Air App that can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices that lets you keep track of air quality at your current location while you’re on the go.

Indoor Conditions

If you are advised to stay indoors, stay indoors and keep your indoor air  as fresh as possible. It is suggested to keep your doors and windows closed. Running your air conditioner throughout your house can also help filter the bad air from outside. They advise to keep the fresh air intake closed and filter replaced  to prevent the outside air particles from getting inside. Changing your air filter may help protect people with asthma, respiratory conditions, children and elderly people from outside smoke.

Outdoor Conditions

The Real-Time Outdoor Activity Risk gives you guidelines on what restrictions should be applied when an outdoor activity cannot be avoided.

Due to poor air quality at Stan State, all work, activities and events such as  the 2018 Social Justice Conference have been cancelled.

Even driving in one’s car can pose problems to a person’s health if not properly maintenanced. “One thing that no one really pays attention to is the filter in the car. Changing cabin air filters is a must, especially in Level 5 conditions,” said Melching. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists in areas impacted by wildfires and those in surrounding states have their cabin air filters replaced.
These tips may be helpful in protecting your or a loved one’s health during situations where the air quality can be dangerous. For more information on health problems with air quality in your area click here.