If closures are necessary, UAF employees should follow the guidance in their local area and keep in touch with their supervisor and direct reports:

• In the Fairbanks North Star Borough, information will be sent via email and available on this website.

• In Anchorage, Palmer and the Mat-Su region, guidance from the University of Alaska Anchorage should be followed.

• In Southeast Alaska, guidance from the University of Alaska Southeast should be followed. 

• In Bethel, Dillingham, Kotzebue, Nome, or any rural campus/site operated through the College of Indigenous Studies, the dean or director will share information about campus closures.

• In other locations, follow the guidance from local authorities. 

Prepare your workplace

• Store sensitive electronics in protective covers or sealed plastic bags to prevent ash damage.

• Relocate research animals indoors and store food in an area protected from ashfall.

• If there is no indoor parking, cover university-owned vehicles with a tarp or plastic sheeting. 

Prepare your home

• Consider stocking at least two weeks' worth of nonperishable food, 1.5 gallons of water per person and household pet(s) daily, a first-aid kit and any necessary prescription medications. Store additional water in clean containers before ashfall if your home relies on a well or electric pump.

• Cover outdoor woodpiles, HVAC units and sensitive equipment with tarps or plastic sheeting. This also includes cars, trucks and recreational vehicles/ATVs if they aren’t parked or stored in a garage or shed.

• Get a fine particle filter for shop vacuums to prevent ash from spreading indoors during cleanup.

• Ensure all household members have an N95 mask or other face mask/covering to minimize inhalation risks once ashfall starts.

Minimize exposure 

• Stay indoors whenever possible. If ashfall is already occurring and visibility is low, remain indoors until conditions improve.

• Close fireplace dampers and turn off heating and cooling systems that bring in outside air. Keep all windows, doors, and vents closed to prevent ash from entering.

• If caught outside and unable to enter a building, seek refuge in a vehicle with windows and vents closed. 

Protect yourself

• If you must go outside, wear an appropriate mask

• Switch to eyeglasses to reduce eye irritation from ash exposure as an alternative to contact lenses.

• To protect the skin, wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves. Avoid bare-skin contact with ash as much as possible.

Stay informed

• Follow guidance from the National Weather Service and emergency management authorities for real-time alerts. 

Cleanup

• Wear an N95 mask and goggles when cleaning up ash to prevent inhalation and eye irritation.

• Instead of sweeping, use a vacuum with a fine-particle filter. If sweeping is necessary, lightly dampen the ash to reduce airborne dust.

• Mow lawns only when damp—bag clippings to limit ash redistribution.

Restock

• Replenish used supplies to maintain readiness for future emergencies. 

Showers in Usibelli and Akasofu were reopened on Nov. 13. All campus showers are currently open, or will have posted signage if closed periodically. 

The disease caused by the Legionella bacteria is not transmitted by drinking water. UAF does routine testing of its water, which shows that the water meets safe drinking water standards set by the government. 

We have closed the showers in the buildings that have tested positive for the Legionella bacteria.  Other than the Usibelli and Akasofu building showers, people can use showers on campus. Several other locations on campus have been tested, including the SRC, Harwood Hall and the incoming water from College Utilities. The bacteria was not found in any of those other locations.

It spreads when someone inhales water droplets that contain the Legionella bacteria. It can also spread if someone aspirates water into their lungs.  It is not spread from person to person or via ingesting water. For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

UAF tested the Usibelli Building, conforming with lease terms of an organization that leases space in the building. The bacteria in Akasofu was discovered during a research study conducted by a UAF researcher.

UAF has an ongoing testing and flushing plan. That plan includes monthly water testing, typically on the second Monday of each month, which is aligned with guidelines from the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Flushing of water systems is happening continuously where needed and regularly at the following locations:

• Hess Village

• UA Museum of the North

• Akasofu Building

• Murie Building

• Two fire hydrants between the Museum and the Reichardt Building

Showers in the following buildings are being flushed daily for 15 minutes:

• Duckering

• UA Museum of the North

• Lower level of the Virology Building

• Murie Building

• Akasofu Building

Flushing helps decrease water temperatures, maintain chlorine levels and create an environment hostile to the bacteria. During these efforts, people may see workers running faucets and taking samples in campus buildings.

It means running water through those systems, either by pumping the water through the pipes or by turning on things like faucets or showers and letting them run for several minutes.

No, the additional chlorine in the water is safe and will effectively disinfect the system.

Chlorine, when added to water in known concentrations, is a safe means to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria including the Legionella bacteria.  Flushing the system will bring chlorine concentration levels up throughout the water system. As this water circulates through our water system, it will serve as a disinfectant while still remaining safe for normal consumption and use.

UAF is conducting ongoing sampling. The most recent test results show that bacteria levels dropped in areas where flushing has happened. UAF is continuing to flush areas with low water use to continue that trend. Because legionella occurs naturally in the environment, it’s not uncommon to find it at low levels in public or residential water systems.

Levels varied depending on location, but all levels were below those that are of concern for causing illness in most individuals who are not immunocompromised or at high-risk. UAF is using guidance provided by state regulators to inform our response and ongoing mitigation efforts. You can read the guidance by downloading the PDF “Protocol for responding to the detection of Legionella pneumophila in drinking water distribution systems”  that was published in the journal AWWA Water Science.

No, testing for legionella is not required by state or federal regulations. 

Most healthy people are not affected by exposure to Legionella. However, in vulnerable individuals the bacteria can cause illnesses like Pontiac fever, which is a mild respiratory infection, and Legionnaires’ disease, which is a type of pneumonia. The CDC has more information about people who may be at increased risk of illness due to exposure. 

Reach out to UAF’s Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management department for guidance. You can call them at 907-474-6603 or 907-474-6771.

Legionnaires’ disease cannot be diagnosed solely based on your symptoms. If you are ill, you can contact your medical provider. Students can contact the Student Health and Counseling Center. Your medical provider can discuss with you whether testing and/or treatment is necessary. 

If you still have questions, you can contact UAF’s Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management department at 907-474-6603 or 907-474-6771 or email UAF-fsdispatch@alaska.edu.