Question: Why are there no working security cameras at Rowan County Animal Shelter? There are at least eight cameras, some of which are outside, that would monitor the dumping of animals after hours and any questionable actions inside.  None are working.

Dana Yarbrough

Answer: County Manager Aaron Church and staff of the Rowan County Animal Shelter both said the cameras surrounding the shelter are operational.

The cameras are placed at various spots surrounding the building. Shelter staff said there are seven or eight total cameras.

Maria Pannell, the shelter’s office supervisor, said security camera footage is kept for 30 to 45 days.

Question: What is the significance of the green pennant-type flag being flown outside the Rowan County Health Department?

Karen South Jones

Answer: The flag represents air quality in the area. The green flag, for example, is the best possible air quality level, according to the Health Department’s Allied Health Manager Steve Joslin.

Joslin said the pennant-type flag is an air quality awareness flag. Each of its colors represents a different level of air pollution. Each color is described by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality in its air quality index.

Green, for example, indicates cool temperatures, windy weather, significant cloud cover or heavy precipitation. The Division of Air Quality says a green air quality doesn’t represent any adverse affects on people’s health.

Yellow is the next level up. For yellow air quality levels, unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, according to the Division of Air Quality.

After yellow, air quality levels increase to orange, red and purple. Each of the levels comes with a recommendation to limit outdoor activity. At purple, for example, the Division of Air Quality describes weather as hot and very hazy, extremely stagnant air, sunny skies, or no precipitation.

For motorists passing by the Health Department, J0slin said the flag could be an indicator of how much outdoor activity is recommended for that day.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.