While the wildfires rage in southern California, local institutions struggle to continue a life of normalcy.

Although UCLA has discussed the possibility of postponing its opening day football game as a result of the fires, after meeting with fire and safety officials they announced the game against San Diego State will be played as scheduled at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, less than 10 miles south of the fires in the Angeles National Forest.

How close are the schools?
Click to explore interactive map

Occidental College, located in northeast Los Angeles, issued a statement on its Web site alerting students of the air quality hazard. John Sweet, Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Athletic trainer, said in an email the school has "canceled several morning and afternoon practice sessions because of the air quality and to some degree the heat this past week." He went on to say, "we have moved indoors with soccer practices and football has changed several of their practices to the evenings."

The athletic department has been monitoring the air quality on-line several times throughout the day through the Air Quality Management District. Additionally, the Tigers use a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Heat Index and empirical data such as ash, wind, odor and visibility to determine if the conditions are safe for competition as the health and safety of the student-athletes is of the utmost importance.

Nearby Cal State L.A. has posted safety information to its Web site, outlining necessary safety precautions and linking to up-to-date fire coverage.

The county of Los Angeles Public health lists the following recommendations to protect yourself from the dangers of bad air quality:

• If you see or smell smoke, or see a lot of particles and ash in the air, avoid unnecessary outdoor activity to limit your exposure to harmful air. This is especially important for those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), the elderly and children.


• If outdoor air is bad, try to keep indoor air as clean as possible by keeping windows and doors closed. Air conditioners that re-circulate air within the home can help filter out harmful particles.


• Avoid using air conditioning units that only draw in air from the outside or that do not have a re-circulating option. Residents should check the filters on their air conditioners and replace them regularly. Indoor air filtration devices with HEPA filters can further reduce the level of particles that circulate indoors.


• If it is too hot during the day to keep the doors or windows closed and you do not have an air conditioning unit that re-circulates indoor air, consider going to an air conditioned public place, such as a library or shopping center, to stay cool and to protect yourself from harmful air.


• Do not use fireplaces (either wood burning or gas), candles, and vacuums. Use damp cloths to clean dusty indoor surfaces. Do not smoke.


• If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to smoke exposure, including severe coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your doctor immediately or go to an urgent care center.


• When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. Wearing a mask may prevent exposures to large particles. However, most masks do not prevent exposure to fine particles and toxic gases, which may be more dangerous to your health.