Hot Weather Update & Tips
Wednesday 9/6/23 & Thursday 9/7/23
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Introduction
Dear Framingham Community,
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for tomorrow Wednesday 9/6 beginning at 11:00 AM through Thursday 9/7 ending at 8:00 PM. As as result, we wanted to share an update with you regarding steps we are taking to monitor daytime temperatures tomorrow and Thursday, as well as prepare for hotter temperatures.
Wednesday 9/6 and Thursday 9/7 are "condition red" days (see description below). Hot daytime temperatures and humidity create higher risk of heat related illness in children and adults. In order to prevent heat related illness and remain as healthy as possible, we will hold recess and physical education indoors both days, and reducing the intensity of physical exercise and activities, while adding frequent water breaks.
We are encouraging staff and students to dress in light, loose-fitting clothing to remain as cool as possible. Staff and students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school to refill and remain hydrated.
Additionally, we are encouraging frequent classroom breaks for water and rest throughout the day, as needed.
We will closely monitor daytime temperatures, the humidity, and heat index throughout the day tomorrow and additional updates and recommendations, including after school athletics information, will be provided as necessary.
~ Framingham Public Schools
Weather Related Definitions
The weather forecast may be confusing unless you know the meaning of the words! Here are a few definitions:
- Heat Index Warning: How hot it feels to the body when the air temperature (in Fahrenheit) and relative humidity are combined.
- Relative Humidity: The percent of moisture in the air.
- Temperature: The temperature of the air in degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat Index:
- 80° or below is considered comfortable
- 90° beginning to feel uncomfortable
- 100° uncomfortable and may be hazardous
- 110° considered dangerous
Outdoor Play in Hot Weather: Tips for Caregivers
Outdoor Play in Hot Weather: Tips for Caregivers
Watching the weather is part of a caregiver's job. Planning for playtime, activities and weather safety is part of the daily routine. The changes in weather require the caregiver to monitor the health and safety of children. What clothing, beverages, and protections are appropriate? Clothe children to maintain a comfortable body temperature (warmer months - lightweight cotton, colder months - wear layers of clothing). Beverages help the body maintain a comfortable temperature.
Water or fruit juices are best. Avoid high-sugar content beverages and soda. Sunscreen may be used year round. Use a sunscreen labeled as SPF-15 or higher. Read and follow all label instructions for the sunscreen product. Look for sunscreen with UVB and UVA ray protection. Shaded play areas protect children.
Condition Green: Comfortable for Outdoor Play
Children may play outdoors and be comfortable. Watch for signs of children becoming uncomfortable while playing. Use precautions regarding clothing, sunscreen, and beverages for all child age groups.
- INFANTS AND TODDLERS are unable to tell the caregiver if they are too hot or cold. Children become fussy when uncomfortable. Infants/toddlers will tolerate shorter periods of outdoor play. Dress infants/toddlers in lightweight cotton or cotton-like fabrics during the warmer months. Protect infants from the sun by limiting the amount of time outdoors and playing in shaded areas. Give beverages when playing outdoors.
- YOUNG CHILDREN remind children to stop playing, drink a beverage, and apply more sunscreen.
- OLDER CHILDREN need a firm approach to wearing proper clothing for the weather (they may want to play without coats, hats or mittens). They may resist applying sunscreen and drinking beverages while outdoors.
Condition Yellow: Caution
Use caution and closely observe the children for signs of being too hot or cold while outdoors. Clothing, sunscreen, and beverages are important. Shorten the length of outdoor time.
- INFANTS AND TODDLERS use precautions outlined in Condition Green above. Clothing, sunscreen, and beverages are important. Shorten the length of time for outdoor play.
- YOUNG CHILDREN may insist they are not too hot or cold because they are enjoying play time. Caregivers need to structure the length of time for outdoor play for the young child.
- OLDER CHILDREN need a firm approach to wearing proper clothing for the weather, applying sunscreen and drinking liquids while playing outdoors.
Condition Red: Danger
Most children should not play outdoors due to the health risk.
- INFANTS AND TODDLERS should play indoors and have ample space for large motor play.
- YOUNG CHILDREN may ask to play outside and do not understand the potential danger of weather conditions.
- OLDER CHILDREN may play outdoors for very short periods of time if they are properly dressed, have plenty of fluids. Caregivers must be vigilant about maximum protection of children.
Tips to beat the heat
Tips to beat the heat
If you are going to be outside, there are several steps you can take to beat the heat and protect your child from heat-related illness and hazards:
Stay hydrated: Encourage your children to drink water frequently and have it readily available—even before they ask for it. Take water bottles with you if you go out. On hot days, infants receiving breast milk in a bottle can be given additional breast milk in a bottle, but they should not be given water, especially in the first 6 months of life. Infants receiving formula can be given additional formula in a bottle.
Dress lightly: Light-colored clothing can help kids stay cool and prevent heat stress from excessive heat absorption; darker colored clothing typically provides slightly better protection against sun damage to skin. Also try to choose loose fitting clothing—ideally that offers both adequate ventilation and protection against direct sun exposure. Clothing made with just one layer of absorbent material can help maximize the evaporation of sweat, which has a cooling effect (kids have lower sweat rates adults). Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen.
Plan for extra rest time: Heat can often make children (and their parents) feel tired. High heat can not only cause people to feel tired, but it may also contribute to irritability. Come inside regularly to cool off, rest and drink water.
Cool off with water. When your child is feeling hot, give them a cool bath or water mist to cool down. Swimming is another great way to cool off while staying active. Remember that children should always be supervised while swimming or playing in water to prevent drowning.
Never leave your child alone in a car: The inside of a car can become dangerously hot in just a short amount of time, even with the windows open
Watch for signs of heat illness
Watch for signs of heat illness
School nurses will continue to be available to assess any students or staff who may develop heat related symptoms, and will monitor and support students who have individual needs and may be more likely to be impacted by hot temperatures.
If your child develops any of the following symptoms of heat related illness, call your pediatrician immediately:
Feeling faint
Extreme tiredness (eg, unusually sleepy, drowsy, or hard to arouse)
Headache
Fever
Intense thirst
Not urinating for many hours
Nausea
Vomiting
Breathing faster or deeper than normal
Skin numbness or tingling
Muscle aches
Muscle spasms
Remember: Don't hesitate to call your child's pediatrician for guidance on how to protect your child during extreme heat.