Air Quality & Climate Information for Camp Directors

   

Important Notes on Air Quality Due to Wildfire Smoke

• DOH website on smoke from fires: Exposure to Smoke from Fires (ny.gov)
• These specific measures are a local decision, camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level
• Follow DOH/USEPA AQI guidance
  • Orange: 101-150: outdoor activities are ok for children but they should be shorter, less intense, take more breaks, watch for symptoms and follow all camper asthma action plans
  • Red: 151-200: similar to above but further curtail intensity and length of outdoor activities and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors - for day camps this may mean seeking indoor activities or canceling camp during a red or higher alert level.
  • Purple and higher (>200): avoid all physical activity outdoors, seek indoor options and follow indoor guidance regarding air conditioning, air purifiers, etc. as available. Consider cancelling camp.
• For more information on asthma and asthma action plans:
  • Asthma action plan
  • Video for coaches about athletes and asthma
  • Asthma brochures

Recommendations for Schools and Childcare Providers

• Continue to monitor air quality at Purple Air. You can also monitor local, ground-level air quality through our County-wide air quality sensor network in partnership with Bard College and the Hudson Valley Community Air Network. 
• Consider implementing an Air Quality Flag Program where each day your organization raises a flag when the air is unhealthy. On these days you can use this information to adjust outdoor activities.
• New York State recommends that schools and child care providers suspend outdoor activities and field trips when air quality is unhealthy.
• When air quality is good, resume normal activities.

The highlighted program above, called the Air Quality Flag Program, has the following 4 steps and even some air quality lesson plans for use:

• The Four Steps
• Which Flag Do I Fly?
• Sign Up For Air Quality Emails Or Texts
• Flag Program Newsletters

Source: Air Quality Flag Program Main Page

Climate Change & Extreme Weather Guide

The New York State Department of Health has prepared a guide for children’s camp operators that explains climate threats and provides tips and resources to help camps prepare for weather emergencies. This information is designed to help camps adapt activities and facilities for a changing climate. The guide is available at health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/camps/climate.

Thank you for being a partner in children’s camps safety and health. If you have any questions regarding the guidance or would like to discuss revising your camp’s safety plan, please contact our office at (845) 340-3010.