Air Quality and Heat Index Program

Our school has chosen to participate in an exciting new way to help teachers, parents, and students identify daily air quality and heat index.

WHY is that important?

It is important to know the daily air quality/heat index so children can avoid exposure during unhealthy days and enjoy outdoor play on healthy days.

Unhealthy air and/or heat can cause airway swelling, decreased lung function, cough, scratchy throat, heat related injuries, and feeling tired. In patients with asthma it can make asthma worse.

HOW will you know the daily air quality/heat index?

The FLAG PROGRAM will alert us to the daily air quality/heat index and allow us to plan activities outdoors. A flag will be flown displaying the air quality/heat index for the day as well as an email from the school nurse.

Teachers will have posters in their classrooms to remind everyone of the day’s air quality/heat index.

GREEN- GOOD-- the air/heat is healthy for everyone. Students are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors.

YELLOW- MODERATE-- the air/heat is unhealthy for people who are unusually sensitive (infants, children and older adults) and people with lung or heart problems. This group should consider limiting outdoor activity.

ORANGE – UNHEALTHY-- the air/heat is unhealthy for sensitive groups (infants, children and older adults) and people with lung or heart conditions. This group and people who are active outdoors should limit outdoor activities.

RED – VERY UNHEALTHY-- the air quality/heat index is unhealthy for all. Sensitive groups and people with lung or heart conditions should avoid outdoor activities. Everyone should limit outdoor activities.