Dear UC ANR Community,
Once again we are facing the challenges wrought by multiple wildfires around the state. Sadly, at least one of our UC ANR colleagues has already lost their home to wildfire, while others have had to evacuate to safety, wondering if their homes will be standing when they return. Still others are sheltering family and friends who have had to evacuate. Power outages and poor air quality add to the stress, as do increasing case numbers of COVID and the changing health safety protocols.
We would like to remind you of resources that are available to help the UC ANR community weather this time of crisis.
- Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible and understanding with staff who have been impacted by the fires or power outages. If you cannot work due to fire impacts, contact your supervisor. Supervisors should contact Jodi Rosenbaum (jrosenbaum@ucanr.edu) about paid leave options.
- For those in need of further assistance, the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers confidential and cost-free assessment, intervention, consultation and referral services to you and your families.
- Emergency resources from UC's benefit plans can be found at: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/emergency-resources.html
- Use the following safety notes and UC ANR fire website links to help with emergency preparedness and safety:
167 Be Informed about Emergencies
168 Make a Plan for Emergencies
169 Build a Kit of Emergency Supplies
https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Prepare/
https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/
https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Current/
https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/AirQuality/
- Monitor air quality in your area using https://www.airnow.gov. Your local Air Quality Management District may also be a good source of detailed information. When checking the Air Quality Index, be sure to look specifically for the rating/number associated with AQI for PM2.5. Particulate Matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5) is the pollutant of concern that is most typically associated with wildfire smoke. Anything above an AQI of 151 for PM2.5 is considered unhealthy.
- Use social media to stay up to date on the situation in your area: follow your county's emergency services, the local sheriff's office, CalFire, etc. to stay informed.
I am grateful to the firefighters who are working so hard to protect our state and to all of you for your resiliency and commitment to our mission. Thanks for all you do! Please stay safe out there.
Glenda Humiston
Vice President