Tips for Staying Safe During Extreme Heat
San Diego is experiencing consistently hot conditions across the county. High temperatures significantly increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, so it's important to plan ahead and take precautions. Monitor weather conditions on the National Weather Service site or your favorite weather site.
Tips to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day
- Keep students and staff indoors during the afternoon hours
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
- If operating summer programs for youth, notify students and families to avoid heavy jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other heavy clothing
- Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks; don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
- Encourage program staff and youth to bring water to school and/or work and make sure your site has plenty of water on hand to distribute
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day
- Avoid outdoor student physical activity in the afternoon hours
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you or your staff need to be in the sun
Resources for the Community
- The County of San Diego has a Cool Zone program where those in need of relief from the heat can access air conditioned spaces. Find a Cool Zone near you.
- The CDC has a one-page resource with warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
- The National Weather Service has heat safety tips and resources that can be shared with parents and staff.
Resources for School Operations
- The California Department of Public Health developed interim guidance for schools on sports and strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat.
- San Diego Unified School District has an extensive webpage on hot weather operations with an overview of potential impacts and modifications.
- SDCOE also created a wildfire resource guide with tools intended to assist local school communities in preparing for wildfires, as well as the impacts resulting from poor air quality.
|
|
More to explore
Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, a 30-year educator who has championed educational equity, will become the next San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. She will be the first female county superintendent in the San Diego County Office of Education’s 76-year history.
San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold was recently published in the third edition of the School News Roll Call, which features messages from school district superintendents across San Diego County. Read Gothold's full article.
On April 24, parents and caregivers can learn about helping youth create a healthy school-life balance. This free webinar series is hosted by SDCOE and medical and mental health experts with the Transforming Mental Health Initiative at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.
More than 300 middle school students from across the county came together to attend workshops on college preparation, leadership, black empowerment, and more at the 2nd Annual Black Student Summit.
Tasha Smith, administrative assistant, shows gratitude and kindness, and epitomizes the inclusive vision of SDCOE.
Lindsay Carstairs, a San Diego student, was recently named Operation Homefront’s 2024 Military Child of the Year for the Navy.