Heat Advisory Guidelines
Extreme Temperature Guidelines for Physical Education and Recess
Collierville Schools values and encourages time spent outside for free play and for organized, physical education. However, there are occasionally times when it may be hazardous for students to engage in activity outdoors.
School administrators should utilize the following guidelines to make a decision regarding Physical Education and recess participation outdoors. Decisions may vary by the grade level and the time of day.
Heat Advisory Guidelines
Conditions that are to be considered:
• Heat Index
• Air Quality Index
• Age of students
• Possible medical conditions of students, such as asthma, seizure disorders, allergies and medications taken
• Length of time outside
• Type of activity
• Condition of area being used (i.e. shade available, playground materials, grass, turf, or concrete play area)
Recess and Outdoor Physical Activity:
- When the heat index reaches 95 degrees or above, principals should reconsider outside student recess and provide for an inside physical activity in an air-conditioned environment.
- Teachers should always provide students a water break before and after recess and monitor students for possible signs of heat illness during play. Possible signs of heat illness include, but are not limited to:
a. Dizziness
b. Confusion
c. Fatigue
d. Headache
e. Muscle and abdominal cramps
f. Nausea
Physical Education Classes:
- When the heat index reaches the mid-90s physical education class should remain indoors, if possible.
- Frequent water breaks should be allowed while students are participating in physical activity.
- Students with medical conditions should be more closely monitored, as conditions may be intensified in hot weather.
Using the Heat Index Guide
About the Heat Index
The U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) developed the heat index system. The heat index combines both air temperature and relative humidity into a single value that indicates the apparent temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, or how hot the weather will feel. The higher the heat index, the hotter the weather will feel, and the greater the risk that outdoor workers will experience heat-related illness. NOAA issues heat advisories as the heat index rises. To learn more about the heat index, visit NOAA’s website.
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Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air. Sweat does not evaporate as quickly when the air is moist as it does in a dry climate. Since evaporation of sweat from the skin is one of the ways the human body cools itself on a hot day, high humidity reduces our natural cooling potential and we feel hotter. Low humidity can also be a problem for outdoor workers in hot, desert-like climates. Sweat evaporates very rapidly in low humidity, which can lead to severe dehydration if a person does not drink enough water throughout the day.
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NOAA issues extreme heat advisories to indicate when excessive, extended heat will occur. The advisories are based mainly on predicted heat index values:
- Excessive Heat Outlook: issued when the potential exists for extended excessive heat (heat index of 105-110°F) over the next 3-7 days. This is a good time to check on supplies, such as extra water coolers, and refresh worker training.
- Excessive Heat Watch: issued when excessive heat could occur within the next 24 to 72 hours, but the timing is uncertain.
- Excessive Heat Warning: issued when the heat index will be high enough to be life threatening in the next 24 hours. This warning indicates that the excessive heat is imminent or has a very high probability of occurring.
- Excessive Heat Advisory: similar to an Excessive Heat Warning, but less serious. This is issued when the heat index could be uncomfortable or inconvenient, but is not life threatening if precautions are taken.
Cold Advisory Guidelines
Conditions that are to be considered:
- Temperature
- Wind Chill
- Age of students
- Possible medical conditions of students, such as asthma, seizure disorders, allergies and medications taken
- Length of time outside
- Adequacy of student clothing being worn
Recess, Outdoor Physical Activity and Physical Education:
- When properly clothed, most students can participate in safe, vigorous play in an outdoor environment in most cold weather conditions. Extra precautions should be taken when the wind chill falls below 40 degrees.
- When the wind chill is 35 degrees or below, students should be kept indoors and provided alternative opportunities for physical activity breaks, and/or physical education.
- Schools should honor reasonable parent requests that a student be allowed to stay indoors. Requests based on health conditions will be honored and asthmatic children may need special accommodations for their needs during cold weather.