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An important part of program planning includes considering environmental concerns that could affect health and safety of members and volunteers. In Northern California, this means evaluating the air quality in your area during the
summer and fall months. If there is a wildfire close enough to a program location to impact air quality, you will know by
checking www.airnow.gov.
It is important to check the AQI every morning and afternoon. There are six score levels, and each category corresponds to a different level of health concern.
“Good” AQI is 0 to 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Program may proceed as planned.
“Moderate” AQI is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms. Program may proceed as planned.
“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” AQI is 101 to 150. People with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air. Event planners may decide to run or cancel the program. If the program can continue, please communicate with participates asking sensitive groups to make sure they bring and carry rescue medication (if prescribed) and let participants know sensitive populations may opt out and receive a refund. For non-sensitive groups – all activity will continue as usual. If the event volunteers fall into the “sensitive groups” category, the program should be rescheduled or cancelled if rescheduling is not possible.
“Unhealthy” AQI is 151 to 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. All outdoor activities should be rescheduled or cancelled. If the event can be safely moved indoors, consider moving inside. If not, the event should be rescheduled or cancelled.
“Very Unhealthy” AQI is 201 to 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects. The program should be rescheduled or cancelled.
“Hazardous” AQI greater than 300. This would trigger health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Last updated on November 17, 2025