Wildfire Smoke Text/Audio Alert System for Farmworkers
UPDATE: New Training Materials for Farmworker EmployersWith the partnership of other government agencies and
local non-profit agricultural organizations, the following
flyers were created to assist agricultural operators and
employers in their Cal OSHA-required training regarding
wildfire smoke prevention and the text/audio alert program.
Press Release and Informational Videos
FAQ
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, in partnership with the County of Ventura’s County Executive Office, Agricultural Commissioner, and the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), a non-profit organization, have developed a first-of-its-kind text/audio alert system for farmworkers to alert the farmworker community when air quality reaches unhealthy levels in areas of Ventura County due to wildfire smoke. The text alert system will release air quality notifications to farmworkers and recommendations for N95 mask usage in real-time as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 151 (unhealthy) and 501 (hazardous) due to wildfire smoke, consistent with the Cal OSHA regulations.
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) index for reporting air quality.
This text/audio alert system is designed for agricultural frontline workers as well as field supervisors in Ventura County.
What are the health risks of wildfire smoke for outdoor workers?
For English text alerts, text SMOKE to 855-522-0034. You will know you are signed up correctly if you receive this message.
For Spanish text alerts or Mixteco/Zapoteco audio alerts, text HUMO to 855-522-0034. You will know you are signed up correctly if you receive this message.
If you would like both English and Spanish/Mixteco/Zapoteco alerts, please text SMOKE and HUMO as two separate texts to 855-522-0034.
This text/audio alert system is being provided at no cost to the subscriber.
You will receive a message anytime the AQI is 151 or
greater (unhealthy conditions) and another message when the
AQI is 501 or greater (hazardous conditions) due to wildfire
smoke. You may receive multiple messages in one day. Examples
include:
Why will messages be sent when the AQI is greater than or equal to 151 and again when the AQI exceeds 501 due to wildfire smoke?
This text/audio alert system is designed to follow Cal OSHA’s regulation in the California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 5141.1, which establishes AQI of 151 and 501 as the trigger points for when employers are required to provide N95 masks for voluntary and mandatory use, respectably. https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5141_1.html
What will the messages look like?
When AQI reaches 151 or 501 due to wildfire smoke, you will receive a text message that may include images and links and indigenous audio files if you signed up for Spanish text alerts.
What are the city abbreviations?
City names will be abbreviated due to limited amount of
text characters. City abbreviations are as follows (in
alphabetical order):
Will I receive a message when the AQI is no longer 151 or greater as well as when it is no longer 501 or greater due to wildfire smoke?
No. This system is designed to alert you when air quality
deteriorates due to wildfire smoke and the AQI values
specified in the Cal OSHA regulation are exceeded in each
day. If conditions persist the following day, you will
receive another message. What is CARB Smoke Spotter and AirNow?
CARB Smoke Spotter is a new app that offers a live aerial
map view of all AQI stations in your region along with smoke
locations and a 24-hr forecast.
AirNow is an EPA program that is designed to provide current air quality data as well as forecasted air quality data. You can use AirNow through a web browser (www.airnow.gov) or through your mobile phone via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
For more information regarding AirNow, please refer to: https://www.airnow.gov/how-to-use-this-site/
What if I see/smell smoke and do not get a text or do not see/smell smoke but do receive a text?
Once the AQI reaches 151 anywhere in Ventura County due
to wildfire smoke, you will receive a text message. The text
message will specify what cities are affected. Please verify
if one of the affected cities is your location.
How do I unsubscribe from the text alert system?
To unsubscribe, text STOP to 855-522-0034.
If in the future you decide to re-subscribe to the
text/audio alert system, make sure to text UNSTOP to
855-522-0034. If you do not do this step, your phone will
continue to block messages from the number.
Who do I contact for questions that were not answered in the above?
If you still have questions, please contact VCAPCD at
(805) 303-3889 or email info@vcapcd.org.
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