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Summer in Washington State brings with it the unfortunate reality of wildfire season, which seems to grow more dangerous and costly every year. The increase in frequency and severity of these wildfire events means that school districts should start planning now for ways to minimize occupant exposures and health impacts from smoke produced during the wildfire season. Protecting physical property is also becoming more important, as these wildfires continue to grow and approach our metropolitan areas. We recommend districts consider their plans for fire prevention and reducing smoke exposure by asking themselves:
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- Are district buildings equipped with HVAC systems that can handle smoke mitigation efforts?
- Has the district developed a Smoke Readiness Plan that includes the following?
- Proactive maintenance and upgrades to HVAC systems
- Ways of limiting smoke intrusion
- Added supplemental air filtration
- The ability to monitor indoor fine particulate matter
- HVAC professional on staff or contract to assist with HVAC testing and upgrades
- Does the district monitor state and local air quality alerts?
- Does the district have a written procedure for when to restrict activities or close schools due to poor air quality?
- Does the district maintain adequate defensible space around all buildings?
- Does the district have written procedures in place before, during, and after a wildfire impacts district property?
- Does the district emergency plan include evacuation zones, and is this information communicated to district personnel?
- Does the district utilize FEMA for real-time alerts about wildfires?
If you answered "no" to any of the above questions or want to learn more, please see the following resources:
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