In the greater Los Angeles are, the smog season is May through October. During this period, the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is advised of predicted and attained smog episodes by a fax located in the Security Department.

At 11:00 a.m. or as needed each day, a prediction is sent by fax regarding the air quality for the following day.

If a smog episode is predicted for the following day, each school is notified. Upon notification, all schools and other district facilities will fly a yellow pennant under the California flag on the school flag pole.

If a smog episode is attained at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Area 5 Southeast Los Angeles County monitoring station, all schools are informed. Upon the notification, the yellow pennant is taken down and replaced with ared pennant.

When notified of a HEALTH ADVISORY EPISODE with a PSI (Pollutant Standard Index) of 138-199, schools are notified and theyellow pennant is flown.

When notifified of a STAGE I EPISODE with a PSI of 200 or above is attained, schools are notified and the red pennant is flown.

In the interest of health and safety, for both students and staff, the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District curtails physical activities which increase respiratory rate when a Health Advisory or a State I Episode is attained.

Whenever a smog episode is predicted, strenuous physical activities are rescheduled to the morning hours since the district rarely receives an attainment episode before 1:00 p.m.

If a State I Episode, which is not predicted, is attained in a game site area one hour before the athletic event is scheduled to begin, the principal will postpone, cancel, or relocate the event.

During an attained episode, transportation is limited from school to home busing or return to district of those students and staff members who are away from the district.

When a Stage I Smog Episode is predicted, traffic reduction plan for staff are in effect. Walking, bike riding and car pooling are encouraged for students as well.

REMEMBER:
When there is a predicted smog episode:

• yellow flag is displayed
• avoid driving

During an attained smog episode:

• red flag is displayed
• remain indoors until the smog episode is over
• keep doors and windows closed
• if possible, circulate the air by use of a fan and the ozone will decay faster
• use an air conditioner
• avoid dust, fumes and aerosol spray
• avoid strenuous activity