Air quality and power outage campus update for Oct. 27

Sunday, October 27, 2019

 

Dear University Community,

PG&E initiated public safety power shutoffs over the weekend, and a spare the air alert for the Bay Area has been issued for Monday (Oct. 28) due to smoke from fires in the region. The San Francisco State University main campus remains open for all classes, activities and operations.

However, power outages in Marin County, including the site of SF State’s Romberg Tiburon Campus, necessitated its closure Saturday. RTC will remain closed through at least Monday, Oct. 28. All Estuary & Ocean Science Center-based activities, including field trips, are canceled. For updates, visit eoscenter.sfsu.edu.

At the main SF State campus, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has forecasted air quality conditions in the vicinity that may affect sensitive groups.

It is advised that sensitive groups taking part in outdoor activities move indoors as needed. Children, older adults and individuals with heart and lung disease are considered especially sensitive and should remain indoors.

The campus has a supply of N95 particulate masks for voluntary use. For students, stop by the Mashouf Wellness Center or Student Health Services to pick up a mask. For faculty and staff, please go to Environment, Health and Safety located in ADM 259 to pick up a mask.

Air quality conditions can be viewed on AirNow.gov. We will continue updating this page as new information becomes available.

Background and more information

On Friday, Oct. 25, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) implemented a public safety power shutoff event (PSPS), due to weather conditions including gusty winds and dry conditions that create a heightened fire risk in some communities.

PG&E has turned off power that has affected approximately 2 million Bay Area residents. 

To reiterate, the SF State campus is not expected to be impacted and we anticipate remaining open.

If you are affected by the power shutdown 

For faculty and staff who live in an affected area and are directly impacted by a power outage, contact your supervisor or department chair if you are not able to make it to work. If you need to take time off during this impacted period, your time away will not be charged against your personal, vacation or sick leave time. Faculty who must cancel classes should notify their department chairs and students immediately.  

For faculty who might have students affected, please provide them with flexible alternatives that allow them to keep up with the course even if they can’t be in attendance.

For students who live in an impacted area, please notify your instructors of your situation immediately.

Additional Updates

San Francisco State University is closely monitoring weather alerts and advisories from PG&E. We will provide updates as conditions warrant.

FAQ

What is a PG&E public safety power shutoff?

For public safety, PG&E has turned off electricity when gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with heightened fire risk, are forecasted. This is called a public safety power shutoff or PSPS.

When is the PG&E public safety power shutdown?

Weather conditions, including potential fire risk, have been forecast that may impact electric service to parts of the PG&E service area. PG&E has reported that affected areas may experience power shutoffs.

Will campus be shut down?

SF State's main campus and downtown campus are not impacted and we anticipate remaining open. Power outages Saturday, Oct. 26, necessitated closure of SF State’s Romberg Tiburon Campus. RTC will remain closed through at least Monday, Oct. 28. All Estuary & Ocean Science Center-based activities, including field trips, are canceled. For updates, visit eoscenter.sfsu.edu

How will SF State communicate updates?

Should conditions change during the week, watch for SF State emails as more information becomes available. SF State’s campus alert notification system will be used if power is shutoff to the SF State campus or in the event of a campus emergency due to wildfires and related unhealthy air quality.

How will I know if PG&E decides to cut off the power?

PG&E updates can be found online here: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=632ba1ba34c14672b44cd31accb0dbae/

How can I find out if the campus is affected or if my house is affected?

You can check on the PSPS for any specific address at: https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/psps-service-impact-map.page

As a supervisor, what should I do to support my team members?

We need to be flexible with employees who live in affected areas and are directly impacted by the power shutoff. We will not be requiring people to take vacation, personal or sick leave if they live in an area directly impacted.

What should I do to prepare for a power shutdown?

  • Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets
  • Stock up on non-perishable food
  • Prepare an emergency supply kit
  • Charge your mobile phone
  • Have flashlights ready.  Avoid using candles
  • Have a battery-powered or crank radio
  • Stock up on batteries
  • Keep cash on hand and a full tank of gas

Additional resources:

Link to PG&E

Link to SF72.org