1. Purpose and Scope
This Emergency Operation Plan establishes comprehensive protocols for New York schools to respond to hazardous air quality events, including wildfires, industrial incidents, or other environmental emergencies that significantly elevate the Air Quality Index (AQI).
The plan applies to all public and charter schools within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) system and provides a structured framework for protecting students and staff when AQI levels reach unhealthy thresholds. It outlines specific measures ranging from indoor air quality management to potential school closures, with activation triggers based on official advisories from NYSDEC, EPA, and local health authorities. The plan emphasizes maintaining educational continuity while prioritizing health and safety during air quality emergencies.
2. Key Objectives
The primary objectives of this plan focus on minimizing health risks while ensuring continued learning.
- Monitoring & Response: Implementing real-time monitoring of AQI levels and establishing activity restrictions based on severity thresholds.
- Air Quality Management: Maintaining safe indoor air quality through proper ventilation and filtration systems.
- Communication: Providing clear, timely communication to all stakeholders.
- Coordination & Equity: Coordinating with relevant agencies for escalated responses and ensuring equitable access to protective equipment and remote learning resources.
- Vulnerable Populations: Protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining essential services.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
- NYCPS Facilities Teams: Maintain and optimize HVAC systems and distribute air purifiers as needed.
- School Nurses & Office of School Health: Identify and monitor high-risk students with respiratory conditions.
- DOHMH and NYSDEC: Provide critical air quality thresholds, health guidance, and issue emergency alerts.
- School Principals and Teachers: Implement activity restrictions and communicate updates to families.
- NYCEM: Coordinates multi-agency responses for prolonged events, ensuring resource allocation.
4. Response Procedures
The plan implements tiered response actions corresponding to AQI levels.
- AQI 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups):
- Limit outdoor activities for vulnerable students.
- Optimize indoor air systems.
- AQI 151-200 (Unhealthy for All):
- Suspend all outdoor activities.
- Distribute N95 masks, if available, for essential outdoor transitions.
- AQI 201-300 (Very Unhealthy):
- Implement shelter-in-place protocols.
- Consider early dismissal if indoor air cannot be maintained.
- AQI 300+ (Hazardous):
- Enact school closures if indoor air quality cannot be controlled.
- Should immediately activate remote learning protocols.
5. Communication Plan
A robust communication strategy ensures timely dissemination of critical information.
- Alerts: NYCPS will initiate real-time alerts through email, text messaging, and automated phone systems.
- Accessibility: Families receive multilingual notifications detailing modifications and closures.
- Internal Coordination: School staff participate in emergency briefings; unions should help facilitate information distribution.
- Public Messaging: Public information is managed through coordinated press releases from NYCEM and DOHMH.
6. Relocation and Resources
- Relocation: Schools lacking adequate filtration may temporarily relocate high-risk students to facilities with superior air quality controls.
- Resources: NYCPS should maintain strategic stockpiles of N95 masks and protective equipment for distribution.
- Partnerships: Leverage community partnerships to establish clean-air shelters in public spaces (e.g., libraries, community centers).
7. Training and Preparedness
Comprehensive training ensures readiness.
- Drills: Annual drills familiarize school communities with shelter-in-place protocols.
- Facilities Staff: Trained in HVAC system optimization and air quality management.
- School Nurses: Familiar with respiratory health monitoring and asthma action plans.
- Student Education: Age-appropriate education about air quality risks and proper use of protective equipment.
8. After-Action Review
Following each incident, a thorough review should assess response effectiveness.
- Examination: Review HVAC system performance, compliance with activity restrictions, and the clarity of communications.
- Feedback: Stakeholder feedback from families and staff informs continuous improvement.
- Implementation: Identified gaps are addressed through plan revisions, with updated versions distributed to all relevant parties.