Sonoma County Schools Air Quality Guidelines

Petaluma City Schools believes that schools are the best place for students to be when air quality is poor as they are well-supervised, can be kept indoors, and are able to continue to learn. This page includes information to help you track air quality and prepare for when air quality is not good.

Current Air Quality in Petaluma

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Sensitive Groups
Very Unhealthy Air
Hazardous Air

Children with certain medical conditions may be impacted by air quality in the moderate (yellow – 51-100) and unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange – 101-150) levels. Parents/guardians of these children should notify their schools.

When air quality dips to very unhealthy levels (purple – 201-300), many schools in Sonoma County will practice the Shelter in Place protocol, which includes keeping all activities indoors, limiting physical activity, and minimizing the opening and closing of doors. Regular classroom instruction continues during Shelter in Place. If AQI hits 250+ a school may consider closing.

If air quality becomes hazardous (maroon – 301-500) and schools do not have the ability to keep outdoor air from easily entering the school, then a school may decide to close. Schools make this decision based on their own local factors.

Keep Track of Air Quality

The following sites track air quality data using professional quality monitors that are regularly maintained, independently audited, and have high standards for quality assurance and quality control.

The County Office of Education uses these official BAAQMD and AirNow sites to track data because they rely on professional quality monitors that are regularly maintained, independently audited, and have high standards for quality assurance and quality control.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District

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AirNow (Environmental Protection Agency)

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When Outdoor Air Quality is Poor

Stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity based upon your area's Air Quality Index. When air quality improves, even temporarily, "air out" buildings and homes to reduce air pollution. Further guidance, recommendations, and information for schools and families can be found below.

Air Quality Guidelines for Schools

Sonoma County Guidance | English

Sonoma County Guidance | Spanish

Bay Area Air Quality Activity Guidance

State Guidance

Recommended Air Quality Monitoring Websites and Resources

Air Now's Fire and Smoke Map

This resource from airnow.gov is specifically designed to give communities timely information about fire and smoke in their communities. It is recommended by Sonoma County's air quality districts as the best resource to use to monitor air quality during a smoke event.
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Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit

(Guidance on Wildfires and Children's Health)
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California Department of Education Resources

Air Quality Resources
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California Air Resources Board

Wildfire Information
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Air Quality Flag Program

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides flags for all of the EPA Air Quality levels as well as information on the types of outdoor activity and exposure that are appropriate for each level. While these resources are aimed at schools, they provide helpful information on activities that are appropriate for each air quality level.
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Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled resources to prepare for and respond to wildfires and smoke during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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