When the AQI is greater than 101, it is recommended that everyone stay indoors and keep windows closed, especially sensitive groups, such as older adults and young children, pregnant women, and those with a respiratory or heart condition.
Check the Environmental Protection Agency AirNow website for a reliable report of the current and forecasted air quality in your area.
- AirNow provides the hourly AQI and a rating of how clean or polluted the outdoor air is, along with any potential health effects and recommended steps to reduce exposure.
- Also check the Fire and Smoke Map to get the AQI closest to your location.
The University Office of Emergency Management will issue campus-wide alerts during periods of observed or forecasted hazardous outdoor quality at or above 150 AQI. Sign up for UW Alerts.
Check the EH&S website homepage, which will be updated when the AQI is at or above 69 (and again when the AQI is at or above 101) when worker protection requirements go into effect.
Read more information on the health effects of wildfire smoke and tips for protecting yourself on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wildfire Smoke webpage and in the frequently asked questions section below.
Working indoors during wildfire smoke events
The best way to protect yourself against the potentially harmful effects of wildfire smoke is to reduce wildfire smoke exposure, for example, by seeking clean air shelters and cleaner air spaces. We recommend keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible to avoid worsening the indoor air quality.
University buildings that use heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to filter indoor air typically remove up to 90% of particles in wildfire smoke. Indoor portable air cleaners can help supplement mechanical ventilation indoors and can be utilized in buildings without HVAC systems.
UW Facilities has a limited inventory of portable air cleaners that are prioritized for buildings on the Seattle campus without mechanical ventilation during wildfire smoke events. Units should reach out to the UW Facilities Care Team to determine availability.
- It should be noted that smoke odors would still be noticeable, even with additional filtration.
- If building occupants continue to experience symptoms from smoke indoors, an N95 respirator worn voluntarily can add another layer of protection.
In naturally ventilated buildings (buildings without mechanical HVAC systems), the indoor temperatures may rise due to windows being closed. If the room becomes unbearably hot, portable electric fans and air-conditioning units can be used to cool the space. Check with your unit leadership and the building coordinator or facility manager to ensure the facility electrical system can meet the energy demand.