Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires currently burning in California. We have students and employees who have evacuated their homes due to the threat of wildfire and more are preparing to evacuate.

UC Davis is exploring ways to help campus affiliates who have been displaced by the wildfires, including short-term, emergency housing.

UC Davis is also monitoring the regional air quality and is working with departments as worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) levels trigger new actions and decisions according to our AQI-Based Decision Matrix. For example, yesterday the campus began limiting outdoor work and operations.

SUPERVISORS PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS
As supervisors, we need you to take action and demonstrate maximum flexibility with your employees. This is an evolving situation and we appreciate your understanding.

1. Work within your units to identify staff that will be designated to keep essential services running. Needs may transition due to changing circumstances. Please make every effort to provide as much notice to your employees, stakeholders and customers as possible. 

2. Non-designated employees should be directed to work from home to the extent possible. Fortunately, the vast majority of Davis Campus employees are already working remotely.

3. Inform your employees that the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers confidential and cost-free assessment, intervention, consultation and referral services to all UC Davis employees and their immediate families. 

Employee FAQs

• My supervisor told me that I am designated, but I cannot work due to illness (e.g., respiratory issues). What should I do?
• If a designated staff member cannot work, due to illness, they should use sick leave consistent with normal university policies.
• I lost power at my residence and cannot work, what should I do?
• Notify your supervisor, who should demonstrate flexibility. This might include making up missed work at a later time, for example, if the power outage only lasts a few hours.
• I’m already on campus, should I leave?
• Not necessarily, but remote work could be an option. Please confirm with your supervisor before leaving campus.
• I had to evacuate and cannot work, will I be paid?
     (for DAVIS Campus Employees)
• Yes. All employees who were scheduled to work, but had to evacuate, will be paid their regular compensation. Employees with previously scheduled sick leave, vacation, personal time off, or CTO will use appropriate leave accruals for that time.

Benefits Information

Members of the UC community have access to numerous emergency resources, including accessing your retirement savings for emergency expenses and replacing lost prescriptions. 

If you need extra assistance with your health benefits, please contact your plan directly. Customer service representatives will do their best to offer the help you need as quickly as possible.

Emergency Housing

• UC Davis Health - healthcare workers (including faculty, staff & trainees) can place a request for a temporary, complimentary hotel stay at the Courtyard Sacramento Midtown - Marriott Hotel during emergency circumstances (i.e. pandemic or natural disasters like fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.). Learn more

• Davis Campus - faculty, staff and registered students and their families are eligible for short-term, emergency housing. Longer-term housing solutions may be available for affiliates who have lost their home. Learn more

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact your Employee and Labor Relations representative on either the Davis Campus or at UC Davis Health.

• UC Davis provides outdoor workers with N-95 masks when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 150. Read more
• UC Davis is less likely to lose power than employees working remotely. Be cognizant that rolling power outages will not likely impact University power, but they could leave your employees disconnected. Read more
• Transportation Services has removed some permit requirements to allow permit holders to park closer to on-campus locations. Read more under Announcements
• Monitor real-time air quality at AirNow.gov
• The Catastrophic Leave Program allows employees to support colleagues in need. Read more