Extra Precautions for Safe Air Quality

Dear WHPS Community,

While wildfire conditions have gradually improved, the health and safety of our children, families, and staff remain our highest priority. We want to share the extra precautions we’re taking to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone and provide tips and resources for your continued safety at home.

Precautions at WHPS

Maintaining clean indoor air quality is essential during wildfire events, as wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and exacerbate health issues. We’ve implemented the following scientifically backed measures across our classrooms to protect our community:

• High-Capacity Air Purifiers: Each classroom is outfitted with air purifiers that use True HEPA filters and activated carbon filters (also known as activated charcoal). These systems are designed to capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5) commonly found in wildfire smoke, as well as odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This ensures cleaner, safer, and healthier air for our students and staff.

• Advanced Filtration: In classrooms with central air systems, we’ve continued using MERV 13 filters (since the onset of the pandemic). These filters are recommended by air quality experts for capturing fine particulate matter, including pollutants from smoke.

• Air Recirculation: Classrooms with window units are using recirculated air that is filtered to minimize exposure to harmful particulates.

• Ventilation Practices: Whenever possible, we combine filtration with enhanced ventilation while ensuring that outdoor air quality supports safe practices.

Monitoring Air Quality

We actively monitor environmental factors throughout the day and adapt our precautions based on real-time conditions, prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff.

• Air Quality Index (AQI) and Particulate Matter: AQI measures larger particles but does not directly track the smallest particulates (PM1). However, experts indicate that finer particles typically attach to larger ones and follow similar movement patterns. Toxic chemicals can also absorb into these particles and travel along with smoke. The AQI and toxins generally track in parallel, making the AQI a reliable indicator of overall air quality, including potential toxins.

• Wind Directionality: Wind direction significantly impacts where wildfire smoke travels. For example, Santa Ana winds, which typically originate from the northeast, are less likely to carry pollutants due to their inland origin. However, these winds can bring gusty conditions that may necessitate adjustments to outdoor schedules for safety. By monitoring wind patterns alongside AQI, we can make informed decisions to move activities indoors when necessary, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Tips for Families

To help protect your family during this time, consider these strategies:

1. Outdoor Masking for Children: Surgical Masks are NOT Effective for Wildfire Smoke.
   If you would like your child to wear a mask outdoors during school hours, please inform your child’s teacher. For optimal protection, we recommend proper respirator masks, such as N95, KN95, or KF94 masks, which are designed to filter out fine particulate matter (PM2.5) commonly found in wildfire smoke. Ensure the mask fits snugly and forms a good seal around the face for maximum effectiveness.

2. Focus on Hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins from their system.

3. Improve Air Quality at Home: Use portable air purifiers with True HEPA filters and activated carbon filters (also known as activated charcoal), particularly in bedrooms and shared living spaces, to reduce indoor air pollution. These filters are effective at capturing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke, as well as odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring cleaner and safer air for your family.

4. Communicate with Kids: See tips in “Helpful Resources” section of article.
   Talk with your children about wildfires using age-appropriate language. Encourage them to share their feelings and answer their questions honestly to ease anxiety.

5. Emergency Preparedness: Keep a family emergency kit ready with essential items such as masks (N95/KN95), water, and important documents. Regularly review and practice your family’s evacuation plan.

Helpful Resources for Families

For more tips, support, and guidance, visit our previous blog post: Coming Together During the LA Wildfires.

Your family’s well-being—and that of our staff—remains our top priority. Thank you for trusting us to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,
Seth Pozzi
Head of School