Ask Nancy
School Environmental Health and Safety Program Manager,
Washington State Department of Health
Nancy Bernard provides technical assistance, resources, and training for local health jurisdiction and K-12 school staff. Her focus includes IAQ, asthma triggers, integrated pest management, noise control, lighting, communicable and zoonotic diseases, cleaning, disinfection, playgrounds, lab/art/shop safety, hazardous materials, and school design. She has a MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from Tulane University, a BS in Environmental Health and a BA in Health Education from the University of Washington, and served on the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors 1997 – 2017. Additionally Nancy taught hands-on science at Faith Lutheran School in Redmond for 5 years and for 3 years at the Bear Creek School.
Guidance on Cleaning Weight Room & Athletic Equipment
Maintenance and cleaning are a focus in August as schools get ready for students. One school reached out to "Ask Nancy" for advice on cleaning of the weight room and athletic equipment. Question:Is there a policy schools should establish on cleaning the...
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Resources for Schools to Prepare for Wildfire Smoke
This month the Wildfire Smoke Impacts Advisory Group will convene to improve messaging and provide updated health guidance later in May. In the meantime, Nancy addresses concerns schools have in anticipation of wild fire season in the responses below....
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Reducing chemical use means healthier air in schools
April means the sweet smell of spring, but also an increase in asthma triggers for kids. For this issue of Ask Nancy, we learn how improving school air quality benefits students and staff, and get a list of things to avoid using to keep kids safe. Question: We have...
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Measles Outbreak in Washington State
In late January, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington because of a measles outbreak in Clark County. There was also one reported case of measles in King county. February's Ask Nancy provides some clear guidance on what schools can do and...
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Lice Outbreaks in Schools
For December, WFIS received an inquiry about WA K-12 policy on recurrent lice issues in a classroom. So, for this month's Ask Nancy, we look at how to prevent lice outbreaks and review guidelines on how school staff should address discovery of lice. ...
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