Austin Students Return to Class Amid Excessive Heat

Austin students are heading back to school on Tuesday as the National Weather Service warns of extreme heat, with temperatures expected to soar to 106°F.

**URL: **https://www.austinisd.org/health-services#collapse2

The Austin school district is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its students and staff. Health and athletics staff are being trained to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses, building on the district's existing online hot weather guidelines.

Denise Vanlandingham, the district's athletics coordinator, said, "we use wet bulb globe temperature readings to determine necessary precautions...readings will be distributed via email and communicated to PE teachers, coaches, and band directors."

"Athletic practices have been shifted to cooler times of day," Vanlandingham added, and "students will undergo an acclimatization process."

Alana Bejarano, executive director of AISD Health Services and Nursing, advised that "in-school activities such as recess and PE will be moved to gyms or multipurpose rooms." Bejarano also warned that "heat stroke and dehydration are our biggest concerns. We strongly encourage hydration for students and staff throughout the day."

Signs of heat-related illness to watch for:

• Heat cramps: Sweating, muscle aches, rash, dizziness. Move to a cooler area, hydrate, remove excess clothing, apply cold compresses. Call a doctor.
• Heat exhaustion: Flushed skin, heavy sweating, nausea. Move to a cooler area, hydrate with water/electrolytes, remove excess clothing, use cold compresses or spray with water. Consult a doctor.
• Heat stroke: No sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion. Medical emergency. Get to an emergency room or call 911. Use interventions: hydration, cooler area, remove clothing, cold compresses.

The district urges parents to ensure their children are hydrated, dressed appropriately, and educated on heat illness signs before they head to school.