Northwest ESD 189

 August  2025

Air Quality/Wildfire Smoke Guidance 

Hello School Safety Leaders. 

It’s that time of year again to start preparing for wildfire smoke! Resources to help make decisions for school, childcare, athletic practices and games, before and after school programs, camps, field trips, and other outdoor programming and activities are available Washington Guide for Air Quality. 

More Resources: 

Smoke from Fires webpage

Wildfire Smoke - Partner Toolkit

Washington Air Quality Map 

Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools

Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality

Guidance for School Closures, to be made in consultation with your local health district

Don't forget to check the Washington Smoke Blog or AirNow Fire and Smoke MapAirNow Fire and Smoke Map for current air quality data, forecasts, fire, smoke and health information. 

THE EPA has released its new Best Practices Guide for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Commercial/Public Buildings During Wildland Fire Smoke Events.

This document provides a concise and complete source of information on the steps that can be taken to reduce the impacts of wildfire smoke indoors in commercial or public buildings.  This publication is for

(1) individuals and groups with decision-making abilities for public, commercial, and multi-unit residential buildings including building owners and managers, school administrators, and facility managers;

(2) federal, state, local, and Tribal environmental and public health organizations that provide information to communities to reduce exposure to wildland fire smoke in public or commercial spaces.

I’ve linked ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 Protecting Building Occupants from Wildfire Smoke. This is a little more technical guidance but it is very helpful to building managers looking to improve their HVAC system for smoke events. I’ve also attached a sample Air Quality/Wildfire Annex for your reference. 

If your school is interested in receiving a PurpleAir monitor, please let me know as soon as possible—we have a limited supply available for distribution, and the program is sunsetting soon.

These monitors are easy to install, require only minimal maintenance, and do not have any reporting requirements. Once set up, the device automatically uploads air quality data every 30 minutes to the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, allowing you to monitor real-time conditions in your area.

Act quickly before supplies are low!

Are you attending the NWESD School Safety and Wellness Symposium?

There is still time to register and attend!

The 2025 School Safety and Wellness Symposium is fast approaching, and there’s still time to secure your spot at this essential event! Join us on August 12-13 for two impactful days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration as we come together to strengthen the safety and wellness of our school communities.

This year’s Symposium brings together nationally and internationally recognized experts who will share research, strategies, and real-world solutions focused on school safety, violence prevention, mental health, and the critical importance of building a unified, supportive school environment.

Whether you’re a school leader, educator, safety professional, mental health provider, or community partner, this event offers valuable insights and practical tools to support students and staff.

Naloxone Kits Available at the Symposium

The NWESD was able to order a bulk amount of Naloxone kits in the early summer, and we have those available to hand out to our schools (with students in grades 6-12). There is no charge, and we will ensure that you get as many as you need. 

Please refer to your school's policy on Naloxone distribution, but kits are recommended to be available to (at least) every school health room and school transportation provider (drivers). 

If your staff requires training on Naloxone administration, we are happy to help with that!

In the meantime, please use this GOOGLE FORM to request the number of kits needed for your district.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation—and the solution.

Together, we can create safer, healthier schools for all.

Register today to reserve your spot at the 2025 School Safety and Wellness Symposium!

Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans 

The Role of Districts in Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans 

REMS Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center

ED's official REMS TA center X page provides news & updates, calendar of free training, and resources for IHE + school #emergencymanagement & safety #schoolsafety

@remstacenter

@SchoolSafetyGov is the official account of School Safety.gov. Likes, links, reposts, followers & endorsements. 

Update School Contacts for the 23/24 School Year

As we continue into the 23/24 school year, please update your school's safety personnel information. 

Erum Mohiuddin she/her

emohiuddin@nwesd.org

Comprehensive School Safety Coordinator

Northwest Educational Service District 189

360-299-4006