Heat Risk Indicator Advisory
With higher temperatures and heat conditions occurring more often, all OPA schools have plans in place for the continued operation of schools during periods of extreme hot weather.
The safety and well-being of our students and employees are our top priority. To ensure that students and staff remain healthy and prevent heat-related illness, our schools have protocols in place for instruction and athletics during hot weather.
OPA Extreme Heat Protocols include:
- Monitoring Heat Conditions - OPA uses the National Weather Service's "Heat Risk" forecast to assess risk and determine appropriate protocols.
- Modifying Outdoor Activities - Movement of outdoor activities indoors based upon heat conditions.
- Hydration and Rest Breaks - Ensuring students and staff remain hydrated and are provided appropriate rest breaks.
- Heat Illness Awareness - OPA staff is provided with additional resources to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses.
- Emergency Procedures - Implementation of plans to respond to extreme heat, including providing access to cooling stations and medical care.
For detailed protocols, please refer to the colored grids below.
Hot Day Guidelines
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated its health guidance for schools on sports and strenuous activities during extreme heat.
CDPH and OPA are using the latest version of the National Weather Service's "HeatRisk" forecast, which incorporates data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related health impacts. HeatRisk is a better indicator than temperature alone because it takes into consideration how unusual the heat is for our location and time of the year, how long the heat is expected to last, and if those temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related impacts based on data from the CDC.
