Air Quality Information for Camp Directors

Continuously Updated Air Quality Index Meter for Ulster County

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 airnow.gov.
• 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