Update 9/12/20, 3:30 p.m.

Very poor air quality currently exists at the WSU Pullman campus. Avoid outdoor activities. See below for steps you can take for limiting exposure to unhealthy, smoky air.

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Update 9/12/20, 11:20am

  • UREC facilities are closed Saturday and Sunday, 9/12-9/13 and in person activities are canceled.
  • CUB is closed through the weekend.
  • Cougar Health Services is closed through the weekend, including Covid testing for WSU Pullman students. Please contact 911 in an emergency.
  • Some Dining Services facilities are open. Check dining.wsu.edu/hours/ for details.
  • Einstein Bros Bagels
  • Flix Market
  • Northside Café
  • Southside Café
  • The Market

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Heavy smoke from regional wildfires has resulted in deteriorating air quality on the Pullman campus. WSU Pullman will be suspending operations beginning at 12 noon, September 11, 2020.  All online and in person academic activities are cancelled.

Employees: If you or your staff are onsite at a Pullman/Impacted campus location, please follow the suspended operations process. Unless designated as essential personnel and required to be on campus, faculty and staff should leave campus. If employees are working remotely they may continue to do so unless otherwise notified.

For information from Human Resource Services regarding air quality, see https://hrs.wsu.edu/resources/inclement-weather/wildfire-air-quality-faq/

The ventilation systems in the Academic/Administrative buildings on the WSU Pullman Campus are being moved to re-circulation mode, which means that the intact of outside air will be significantly reduced due to the poor outside air quality.  This will increase the risks associated with COVID-19, so personnel are encouraged to leave those facilities during Suspended Operations.  This will not affect Research facilities with hazardous exhaust systems or Residential facilities.

Outdoor activities should be avoided, if possible. People experiencing respiratory distress should contact a health care professional immediately. Pullman students can call Cougar Health Services at 509-335-3575.

Older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke. If you experience any signs of respiratory distress or other health concerns, contact your health care provider.

There are many steps you can take for limiting exposure to unhealthy, smoky air.

Avoid being outdoors. Use public transportation rather than walking or biking.

Stay inside as much as possible. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and using an air filter and air conditioning. Make sure your air conditioner’s fresh-air intake is closed and the filter is clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.

Do not add to indoor pollution. Avoid using candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air. 

Follow your health care provider’s guidance. If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your respiratory management plan.