Air Quality Update: May 18, 2023
May 18, 2023
Smoke continues to linger in the Foothills region.
Our sources indicate that it is safest to limit outdoor activity today.
- Air Quality Index (244- Very Unhealthy)
- Alberta Air Quality (6 - Moderate Risk)
- Environment Canada (8 - High Risk)
We are hopeful conditions will improve tomorrow.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the wildfires. Thank you to emergency response personnel and firefighters for protecting our communities.
May 17, 2023
We are continuing to experience poor air quality due to smoke within the Foothills region.
FSD is accessing information from the government to monitor conditions and recommend precautions and actions. The Air Quality Index for our area remains above 200, which comes with the recommendation to restrict outdoor activities. Schools are equipped to assess the conditions in their area and will act accordingly. As such, student breaks (lunch, recess) will be indoors, and outdoor activities such as learning, extra-curriculars, field trips, and any other outing may be postponed or cancelled. The schools are capable of circulating air for comfort; however, some smoke will still be present. Should conditions change, leadership will complete a risk assessment and act to assure the safety of students and staff.
The following measures are currently in place to support the health and safety of students and staff:
- We ask for air circulation systems to continue to be activated to provide comfort to populations within schools. Warm, stagnant air is also not ideal.
- All heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that are centrally automated have been adjusted to minimize fresh air exchange until the air quality advisory is lifted;
- For schools with HVAC systems that are not centrally controlled, facility members are manually adjusting the system to minimize fresh air exchange; and
- We are closely monitoring provincial authorities for any direction and guidance on the air quality situation and will notify schools if the situation requires additional measures.
We know these conditions impact every community differently. If you make the decision that your child will not be attending classes, please ensure you contact your school's attendance line to report the absence.
This page will be updated as the situation evolves.
May 16, 2023
Foothills School Division prioritizes the health and safety of our students, staff, and our communities. We have developed a tool to assist school leadership to assess whether the AQI is safe for outdoor activity. You may view the tool here: https://www.foothillsschooldivision.ca/_ci/p/14448.
The current air quality status indicates it is safest indoors. As such, schools are encouraged to accommodate indoor recess and breaks and to limit student and staff exposure to outdoor air. Our team completes risk assessments for outings and field trips, which considers air quality as a factor. As such, scheduled field trips, outdoor events, or outdoor activities may be postponed or cancelled. Our schools are operated as efficiently as possible with ventilation systems and procedures that work to maximize safety and comfort; remember to keep all doors and windows closed to maintain positive building pressure to support filtered air supply.
Given our advantage of filtered air systems, schools will continue to operate under these air quality conditions. Should parents feel it is best for their child(ren) to return or remain home while the air quality is poor, please contact your school to arrange pick up and update attendance.
The Special Air Quality Statement from Environment Canada indicates that the AQI will improve Wednesday (https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/abaq-002_e.html). As such, FSD will continue to assess conditions as information becomes available.
We encourage everyone to consider their own health needs and follow the guidelines set by Environment Canada. Please do not open facility windows or prop doors open as this will increase the amount of smoke within buildings.
Thank you and take care,
