It’s the first week back to school for many Arizona kids, and it’s also one of the hottest. The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings for several counties including Maricopa, Pima and Yuma — with temps expected to hit 118 later this week.
Just because it's a dry heat doesn’t mean it's not dangerous, or even deadly. The Arizona Department of Health Services is urging schools, parents and students to take precautions.
Tips include moving outdoor activities to an air-conditioned space, providing frequent hydration breaks and encouraging students to tell teachers or a friend if they feel overheated.
Teachers are also advised to look for signs of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache and confusion.
For staff who have to stand outside during pick up and drop off, the department is urging them to wear hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Tips from the Arizona Department of Health Services
Stay Cool
- Move outdoor activities to an air-conditioned space
- If keeping students indoors is not an option, reschedule activities to the coolest time of day
- Facilitate any outdoor activities in the shade as much as possible
- Encourage children to wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Start activities slowly and pick up the pace gradually to help children adjust to hot weather. Children take longer to acclimate to the heat
Stay Hydrated
- Provide frequent hydration breaks before, during, and after being outdoors (8 gulps of water recommended every 15 minutes)
Stay Informed
- Schedule outdoor activities, sports, and events based on local weather forecasts (temperature, air quality, UV index)
- Visit the NWS HeatRisk map for more localized information about the extreme heat warning
- Check on children and those in your care frequently and look for signs of heat-related illness: dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, and confusion
Stay Connected
- Encourage children to tell an adult if they or a friend are feeling overheated
- Instruct children to stay within eyesight of an adult and to use the buddy system when playing outside
Be SunWise
- Encourage staff and students to wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing
- Encourage the use and reapplication of SPF 30+ sunscreen before and during outdoor activities
Resources for Arizona SchoolsHeatReady Schools
- Is your School “HeatReady”? Explore the resources provided by the ASU HeatReadyTM Schools Program, including complimentary materials such as heat stress training and curriculum, posters and learning activities, a Tree Education Toolkit, and tips on keeping students active on hot days and staying safe during sports.
- If you are interested in learning more or becoming a HeatReady School, email [email protected].
Managing Extreme Heat Recommendations for Schools
- Does your district or school have a heat policy? Refer to the Managing Extreme Heat Recommendations for Schools: Pilot Version for recommendations on how to keep K-12 students safe from the heat based on the environment and resources.
Kids Playing
Arizona SunWise Skin Cancer Prevention School Program promotes sun safety among staff and students. Visit azdhs.gov/SunWise for free sun safety materials and activities, such as the Teacher's Guidebook and a sun safety tip sheet.
