Amid a grueling heat wave that has placed most of San Diego County under an excessive heat warning, schools are taking extra precautions to keep students safe.
The San Diego Unified, the Poway Unified and other school districts announced adjustments to keep students and safe safe amid soaring temperatures this week.
High and low temperatures will rise up to 10 to 15 degrees above average through Thursday and remain hot on Friday, forecasters said. The inland valleys will face extreme heat risk, with somewhat cooler weather arriving over the weekend into early next week.
San Diego Unified plans to remain open “as long as a safe learning environment can be provided,” although some schedules and activities, like recess and physical activities, may be adjusted due to weather conditions, the district said.
SDUSD schools also plan to utilize shaded and air-conditioned spaces, providing additional access to drinking water, and monitoring students and staff for signs of heat-related illness.
Officials said all SDUSD high school coaches are trained in hot weather procedures and certified via the National Federation of State High School Associations on heat illness prevention. Staff supervising outdoor activities will provide water, rest breaks or adjust outdoor activities if needed.
“Air conditioners are working overtime during extreme heat, and physical plant operations team members are standing by ready to take action if an air conditioning unit malfunctions,” officials said.
SDUSD also urged families to help their children stay cool with the following tips:
wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and sunscreen when needed;
bring extra water to school to stay hydrated during the day; and
immediately let a teacher, nurse, coach or other staff member know if they feel dizzy, overheated or unwell.
The Poway Unified School District similarly urged staff and teachers to minimize students’ heat exposure by limiting time outdoors or moving activities to the morning hours, a letter read. Coaches were encouraged to closely monitor athletes for signs of heat illness.
“We are also reminding staff and teachers to monitor children for signs or symptoms of heat illness, which can include profuse sweating, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, excessive thirst, vomiting, and/or rapid respiration/heart rate,” the district said.