Hot Weather Guidelines

When temperatures reach over 90 degrees, the risk of heat-related illnesses can increase dramatically, particularly for those who are more sensitive to heat. Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal.

Recommended precautions to prevent heat related illnesses:

Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
Avoid unnecessary sun exposure; wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, when in the sun and use sunscreen.
Avoid unnecessary exertion if you are outside or in non-air conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.

National Weather Service Heat Index

School Protocols

During times of exceptionally hot and humid weather, our schools modify schedules and implement precautions to protect the health of our students and employees.

When temperatures reach 80 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, the following precautions are taken for students involved in outdoor exercise and/or events:

Provide adequate time (at least 10 minutes per hour) for water breaks, rest, and cooling for every half hour of physical activity.
Staff should review the Confidential Health Concerns provided by Health Services for those students who may be at risk.
Avoid prolonged vigorous activity.

When temperatures are above 94 degrees Fahrenheit, the following precautions are taken:

Follow items 1 and 2 above.
All vigorous outdoor activity may be suspended.
Limit outdoor activities to short periods of time.
Watch carefully all athletes/students and especially those with health concerns.
Limit athletic practices to short, non-vigorous workouts.

CDPH Heat Risk Grid: Understanding “HeatRisk” Level, Who is At Risk, and What Actions to Take

Revised July 27, 2023. Adapted from the National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk tool . Learn more about how to stay safe during extreme heat at CDPH Extreme Heat .

Value	Temp	Risk	What does this mean?	Who / What is at risk?	What actions can be taken?
0 (Green)	<82°	Little to None	• This level of heat poses little to no risk from expected heat	• No elevated risk	• No preventative actions necessary
1 (Yellow)	82° - 92°	Minor	• Heat of this type is tolerated by most; however, there is a minor risk for extremely heat sensitive groups* to experience negative heat related health effects	• Primarily those who are extremely sensitive to heat,* especially when outdoors without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration	• Increase hydration • Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest • Open windows at night and use fans
2 (Orange)	92° - 95°	Moderate	• Heat of this type is tolerated by many; however, there is a moderate risk for members of heat sensitive groups* to experience negative heat related health effects, including heat illness • Some risk for the general population who are exposed to the sun for longer periods of time • Living spaces without air conditioning can become uncomfortable during the afternoon and evening, but fans and leaving windows open at night will help	• Primarily heat-sensitive or heat-vulnerable groups,* especially those without effective cooling or hydration • Those not acclimatized to this level of heat (i.e., visitors) • Otherwise healthy individuals exposed to longer duration heat, without effective cooling or hydration, such as in the sun at an outdoor venue • Some transportation and utilities sectors • Some health systems will see increased demand, with increases in emergency room visits	• Reduce time in the sun during the warmest part of the day • Stay hydrated • Stay in a cool place during the heat of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) • Move outdoor activities to cooler times of the day • For those without air conditioning, use fans to keep air moving and open windows at night to bring cooler air inside buildings
3 (Red)	95° - 100°	Major	• Heat of this type represents a major risk to all individuals who are 1) exposed to the sun and active or 2) are in a heat-sensitive group • Dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or adequate cooling • Living spaces without air conditioning can become deadly during the afternoon and evening. Fans and open windows will not be as effective. • Poor air quality is possible • Power interruptions may occur	• Much of the population, especially anyone without effective cooling or hydration • Those exposed to the heat/sun at outdoor venues • Health systems likely to see increased demand with significant increases in emergency room visits • Most transportation and utilities sectors	• Cancel outdoor activities during the heat of the day** (usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and move activities to the coolest parts of the day • Stay hydrated • Stay in a cool place especially during the heat of the day and evening • If you have access to air conditioning, use it, or find a location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower risk. Fans may not be adequate.
4 (Magenta)	> 100°	Extreme	• This is a rare level of heat leading to an extreme risk for the entire population • Very dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or adequate cooling • This is a multi-day excessive heat event. A prolonged period of heat is dangerous for everyone not prepared • Poor air quality is likely • Power outages are increasingly likely as electrical demands may reach critical levels	• Entire population exposed to the heat is at risk • For people without effective cooling, especially heat-sensitive groups, this level of heat can be deadly • Health systems highly likely to see increased demand with significant increases in emergency room visits • Most transportation and utilities sectors	• Cancel outdoor activities** • Stay hydrated • Stay in a cool place, including overnight • If you have access to air conditioning, use it, or find a location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower risk. Fans will not be adequate. • Check on your neighbors

*Populations at higher risk of heat-related health impacts include older adults, young children, unhoused residents, those with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, those exercising or doing strenuous activities outdoors during the heat of the day, pregnant individuals, those living in low-income communities, and more.

** For Extreme (Magenta/4) and Major (Red/3) risk levels, CDPH recommends more caution and therefore guides canceling outdoor activities based on these scenarios.

San Marino Unified School District

Guidelines for Specific Courses, Sports and Activities

To Avoid Heat Stress

Administrative Oversight: Monitor heat levels and inform teachers and coaches.

Everyone: Encourage students to wear hats and sunscreen.

Temp (F˚)	Secondary Physical Education and Elementary Game Day	Marching Band	Athletics
<82˚	Normal activities	Normal activities	Normal activities
82˚-92˚	Prepare to modify activities.	Prepare to modify activities.	Prepare to modify activities.
92˚-95˚	• Get hydrated before going outside. • Provide water near the athletic areas and allow frequent water breaks. • Provide shade: pop-ups, etc. • Modify activities: walk vs. run. • Accommodate individual student needs: Rx sensitivity, move at-risk students inside.	Hydrate all day.	Hydrate all day.
95º-100º	• Use indoor PE facilities. • Develop and implement PE activities and skills that can be taught in a classroom.	• Allow free access to water and provide frequent breaks with shade. • Modify practice schedule: reduce outdoor practice time, include indoor practice activities. • Modify procedures: wear shade hats, practice without instruments or uniforms. • Consult with administration regarding scheduled competitions.	• Allow free access to water and provide frequent breaks with shade. • Modify practice schedule: reduce outdoor practice time, include indoor practice activities. • Modify procedures: less gear, shorter periods of exertion, less mileage, less intensity. • Trainers on the field. • Consult with administration regarding scheduled competitions.
>100°	• Same as Above	• Consult with administration	• Consult with administration

GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTING HEAT STRESS

HEAT STRESS is the overall effect of excessive heat on the body.

The effects of heat on the body depend on several factors, including:

Air temperature/humidity
Age of person
Air pollution (smog)
Health conditions/Medication use
Air circulation
Access to water (hydration)

Weather Conditions for Modifying Activities or School Day

For the latest weather conditions, check the National Weather Bureau at 213-554-1212, or Internet sites, such as www.weather.com.

Heat Stress Signs, Symptoms and First Aid

Heat Disorder	Signs and Symptoms	First Aid
Heat Stress (Early) • Normal body temp Heat Cramps	Fatigue, lethargy, sweating, headache, nausea, heat rash. Muscle spasms in heat cramps.	• Person to sit and rest in cool place; hydrate; check temp; monitor. • Replacement fluids (in addition to above)
Heat Exhaustion • Normal or slightly elevated body temp	Extreme weakness, sweaty/clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, fainting	• Obtain medical care – notify nurse, administrator and parent. Person to lie down in cool place; hydrate if conscious. Call 911, if needed
Heat Stroke • Elevated body temp, >103˚	Mental confusion, no sweating, vomiting, seizures, unconscious	• Call 911 and obtain immediate medical attention (in addition to above)