Resources offered for those affected by North Bay fires
In light of the devastating wildfires that have disrupted communities in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties, including sister CSU, Cal State Sonoma, SF State offers it solidarity and support.
SF State, city of San Francisco, offer resources for those affected by North Bay fires
Related Link: University operations status update
As fires continue, members of the SF State community are affected - how you can help updated Wednesday, October 18, 12:25 p.m.
The catastrophe caused by Bay Area fires has touched the SF State community and will continue to do so into the future. San Francisco State is working on many fronts to sustain its commitment to employee and student safety and to respond directly to help those experiencing personal losses. Many members of the Gator family have been directly affected and many have friends and family who are impacted.
For those lwho want to help, there are a number of ways to contribute to SF State community members and members of the broader CSU community.
The CSU Chancellor’s Office has created a fund to help those affected by the fires by donating to the Sonoma State Fire Victims Fund. Please read Chancellor Timothy White’s message for more information.
The SF State community has the opportunity to support others or request support:
- Donate to support fellow community members. Support faculty and staff through a special emergency fund or support students through the SF State HOPE Fund.
- Apply for assistance. Applications for faculty and staff at University Corporation and for students at the Dean of Students site.
In a statement today, SF State President Les Wong said, “Through our work and commitment to our communities, we can and will do our part to promote the healing and recovery process before us. Community and Resilience are central values to SF State. Thank you for all you have done and will do to move our communities forward.”
Outdoor activities should be severely limited due to poor air quality updated Tuesday, October 17, 3 p.m.
San Francisco State University continues to monitor the shifting conditions related to the fires in the Bay Area. The air quality today is in the red zone, which means outdoor activities should be severely limited. We do not anticipate a campus closure at this time. Air quality is expected to improve later this evening, and rain is still expected on Thursday.
The Environmental Protection Agency advises those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Mask Distribution
Disposable N95 respirators are still available for distribution to students, faculty and staff, with an additional supply being delivered to sites tomorrow. Students may acquire masks at the Student Health Center, the Mashouf Wellness Center and the information desk of the Cesar Chavez Student Center. Faculty and staff should visit Environmental Health Safety in room 259 of the Administration Building that can be issued for “voluntary use.”
Individual Discretion Over Health and Safety
Faculty and supervisors are encouraged provide alternate arrangements for students and employees experiencing impacts from the air quality. Please continue to be patient with your fellow students, faculty and staff as they navigate the negative health and safety impacts of this disaster. If community members feel their health or safety is compromised and are unable to come to campus:
· Students should be in communication with their professors regarding accommodations
· Staff should contact their supervisor immediately and use sick or vacation time to cover a work absence
· Faculty should be in touch with their respective Deans immediately to make arrangements for their scheduled classes
Resources
For information about physical, psychological and financial resources, along with ongoing updates regarding University status, please visit news.sfsu.edu.
We will continue to evaluate the complex conditions and their effects on the University until the fires are contained.
Due to the devastating fires in the North Bay, residents of the Bay Area, including students, faculty and staff at San Francisco State University, are experiencing poor air quality conditions due to the smoke. Following are resources available through SF State and the city of San Francisco.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District and SF State’s Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) department have provided the following tips:
- Limit outdoor activities of any kind
- Building occupants should ensure that windows in offices and common areas are closed tightly
- Set your home and car air conditioners to recycle
- Asthmatics and others with respiratory issues should keep medications with them at all times.
To monitor local air quality, visit the Environmental Protection Agency site here.
Visit the California Office of Emergency Services incident webpage for the latest resources.
Message from CSU Chancellor White updated Monday, October 16, 2017 1:15 p.m.
California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White has released a statement to the CSU community about the Northern California fires. The community surrounding Sonoma State University has been particularly hard hit by the fires. The Chancellor’s message includes a link to the Sonoma State Fire Victims Fund.
Experiencing breathing difficulty?
If any student, faculty or staff member is experiencing breathing difficult as a result of poor air quality, please visit the student health center for treatment.
Masks available for students, faculty, staff
The University has acquired additional N95 disposable respirators for distribution to students, faculty and staff. Starting Monday, students may acquire masks at the Student Health Center, the Mashouf Wellness Center and the information desk of the Cesar Chavez Student Center. Faculty and staff should visit Environmental Health & Safety in room 259 of the Administration Building for masks that can be issued for voluntary use.
Counseling and Psychological Resources
Students
Counseling and Psychological Services is ready to serve students who seek guidance and counseling in the face of the emergency. Visit the Student Services Building Room 208 or call (415) 338-2208 to access services.
Employees
Free, confidential guidance and counseling for all employees are available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). LifeMatters is available at all hours via phone (1-800-367-7474) and online at mylifematters.com (Company password: sfsu).
Emergency Housing
Available housing options in the Bay Area are extremely scarce even during times of non-crisis. However, students who have been displaced by the wildfires and in need of temporary housing are encouraged to contact University Housing via email athousing@sfsu.edu or by phone at (415) 338-1067. Team members will assist students with identifying possible options and making appropriate referrals, as well as offer guidance and suggestions. The point of contact is Ms. Jeny Patino, Executive Director for University Housing, Dining & Conference Services.
Other Resources
Airbnb hosts provide housing for evacuees
Emergency Financial Assistance for Students
The HOPE Crisis Fund, administered by the Dean of Students Office, is available for students who are experiencing financial exigency that may interfere with their academic progress. Funds awarded via this program can be used to replace educational materials, e.g., textbooks, laptop, etc., as well as other essential needs. Information about applying for the HOPE Crisis Fund can be found at https://dos.sfsu.edu/content/sf-state-hope-fund-crisis-loan-application or stopping by Room 403 in the Student Services Building.
Food Insecurity Resources for Students
Students who have been displaced by the wildfires and experiencing food insecurity should contact the Dean of Students Office. Students should emaildos@sfsu.edu or come by Room 403 in the Student Services Building and ask to speak with the on-call Dean. In addition, students can receive services from the SF-Marin Food Bank; they can be reached via email at info@sfmfoodbank.org or visiting them on the web athttps://www.sfmfoodbank.org/. The primary point of contact is Mr. Brian Stuart, Acting Dean of Students.
Fire updates and emergency information
To receive Nixle updates from your local police department, including evacuation notices: text your zip code to 888777
To file a missing person report in Sonoma County, call: (707) 565-3856
Santa Rosa Public Information line: (707) 543-4511
To request emergency assistance: 911
North Bay Fire Protection Phone: (707) 426-0955
For updates from the Santa Rosa Fire Department, click here.
For a map of fire-impacted areas, with pins on evacuation centers, click here.
For the latest updates on shelters available to evacuated residents, click here.
To view a map of current fires in the North Bay, click here.
For additional information on the fires in Sonoma, click here.
Emergency preparedness checklist
For more information on your own emergency preparedness, visit the University Police Department emergency preparedness website.
City of San Francisco provides respite as well as volunteer opportunities
In a statement Tuesday, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee urged residents to minimize outdoor activities and close windows due to the poor air quality. A number of San Francisco Public Libraries are offering filtered air and respite from the air outdoors. The American Red Cross is accepting volunteers to assist with aid efforts, and donations for the thousands of families displaced by these fires can be made to the Napa Valley Community Foundation . The Mayor’s statement, including library locations, can be found here.
How you can help updated Monday, October 16, 2017 11 a.m.
Fund-raisers for students, staff, faculty members, alumni and others in the SF State community have been established and updates will be regularly posted.
Ryan Hartnett, Romberg Tiburon Center research technician, and his family lost their home in the Tubbs fire. Go Fund Me
Alumna Lindsay Usher (M.A. ‘96) and her family lost their home in the Tubbs Fire. Go Fund Me
Local media outlets have also provided clearinghouses related to fire victim relief.
California Volunteers’ website
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.