Nurses Corner

HEAT ADVISORY

If the heat index is 90 to 95 degrees, or if there is a heat advisory in effect, children should only be outside for short periods of time (15 -30 minutes or less). Time is based on the children’s appearance and behaviors. If the children are running around and playing, and do not exhibit any signs of heat illness, they can be out on the longer end. However, if children are sitting or standing around in the shade, staff are to bring them inside. When the heat index is 95 degrees or higher this is considered to meet the definition of “extreme”. On these days it would be expected that children would not have to go outside at all.

Signs indicating heat illness, include; muscle cramps, paleness or flushing, heavy sweating or complete lack of sweating, skin that is cold or clammy to the touch, excessive tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or fainting.

On “extreme” heat days – it is recommended any scheduled field trips visit inside, air-conditioned locations. If the mode of transportation is in a vehicle without air-conditioning or by walking, the predicted temperature/heat index at the time of return trip must be considered. Most buses, even without air conditioning, still have good circulation when all windows are lowered.

Anytime the temperature reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, children and staff are encouraged to drink plenty of water while they are in the classroom, at recess, or in the lunchroom. People who are active should drink at least 4 ounces of water every 15 minutes.
Please refer to the chart below as a guideline when student's will be outdoors. If you have any questions please contact your building's administrator and/or school nurse.

Temperature/Heat Recommendations

Outdoor Policy
Heat index 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit - Outside for 15-30 minutes or less
Heat index greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit- No outdoor play time
Air Quality index between 151-200 - Physical outside activities in morning hours only
Air Quality index above 200 -No outside recess and physical education classes

Latoniah Johnson MSN, RN
KCCS School Nurse @
William Henry Middle School/Central Middle School

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