Sample Hot Weather Preparedness Guide

• Check the temperature prior to outdoor activity.
• Implement school board’s Hot Weather Action Plan (for example, for heat or humidex).
• Encourage and provide access to hydration prior to, during, and after activity.
• When appropriate activity levels to be reduced and/or increase the frequency and length of rest breaks.
• Cancel/reschedule activity as per school board protocol.
• Communicate to students the importance of:
  • Drink fluids regularly prior to, during and after activity. (Dehydration is a key factor in heat illness.)
  • Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes made of either natural fibres or composite fabrics with high absorption
  • Use sun blockers on all exposed body parts.
  • Where possible to stay out of the sun and in the shade as often and as long as possible
  • To cool down, spatter yourself with water before the activity and during breaks
  • Do not lay down during breaks or after the activity as this may provoke a collapse.
  • Risk is increased if you suffer from asthma, inform your teacher/coach accordingly
  • Inform teacher/coach immediately (to seek medical help) with shivering, muscle cramps, headache fatigue or collapse.
  • Drinking fluids prior to, during, and after activity.
  • Wearing light coloured, loose fitting clothes.
  • The use of sun screen/blockers.
  • Avoiding sun exposure when possible.
  • Cooling down (for example, spatter water on body/clothing).
  • Sitting/standing during breaks and walking after activity to avoid collapse
  • Informing teacher/coach immediately if students have: shivers, muscle cramps, headache, and/or fatigue.
• Students (people in general) are generally unable to notice their own heat stress related symptoms. Their survival depends on the ability of teachers/coaches to recognize symptoms and seek timely first aid and medical help.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list

• Flushed face
• Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tingling arms
• Goose bumps (hair on arms standing on end)
• Chilliness
• Poor coordination
• Confusion, agitation, uncooperativeness