Heat-related illnesses are preventable.
Air temperature, humidity, direct sunlight, prolonged heat duration and other factors impact the risk of heat illness. In addition, campus environmental conditions may increase heat-related illness vulnerabilities and should be taken into consideration such as recognizing how blacktop and asphalt areas can act as a heat-sync with an increased surface temperature as well as raising the ambient temperature to unhealthy or dangerous extremes. Although susceptibility to heat-related illness will vary, all students and student athletes are at increased risk when exercising in a hot environment and particularly those participating in high-exertion sports.
In addition to the actions advised in the below table, general measures to keep students and student athletes safe include:
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Ensure adequate water is available and students are proactively encouraged to hydrate
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During exercise or athletic practices take additional cooling breaks
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Identify specific site cooling areas including shade structures, shade trees, cooler grass areas and indoor air-conditioned spaces
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Modify or limit outdoor activities, especially during midday when the sun is the hottest
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Start activities slowly and pace the levels of increasing intensity
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Encourage wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
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Encourage the use of sunscreen
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Monitor students and particularly those participating in athletics for signs of heat-related illness (see symptom recognition information below)
Although students may be at a higher risk of heat-related illness as air temperatures rise, their vulnerability can be reduced through appropriate acclimation. Heat acclimation is a process of allowing the body to adjust to higher temperatures through limited and controlled exposure coupled with a gradual increase in exercise duration and intensity. Generally, heat acclimation occurs over a 7 - 14 day period.
All schools must monitor their community’s forecasted heat risk level and make appropriate adjustments to activities to limit heat exposure. Heat risk levels can be quickly assessed through the use of the National Weather Service HeatRisk Forecast Tool. Once the HeatRisk level is determined appropriate mitigation measures to protect students should be implemented as directed within the below CDPH Heat Risk Table. During category 3 (Red) and 4 (Magenta) periods the district will issue guidance to schools, however, schools may implement proactive measures prior to receiving district guidance as needed.