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Heat/Ozone
Guidelines
 During
the hot days of summer, early fall, and late spring, there are
frequently ozone alerts. There will be no outside activity if the
temperature is 95 degrees or greater, or when under Heat Alert,
Red Ozone Alert, or Orange Ozone Alert.
Please provide the school
with written notice if you would like your child to not go outside
on days other than listed above.
If your child has asthma or a respiratory problem, please have
your child use caution when going outside for recess or PE. If
your child uses an inhaler, please remind them of the importance
of using it before exercise. The same is true for very cold weather.
If permitted by your child's school, encourage him or her to bring
a water bottle to take outside for recess and PE during the hottest
days, to stay well hydrated. A dehydrated child will complain of
a headache or stomach cramping.
Keeping it Cool
- Drink fluids before, during, and after outdoor activities.
- If you feel thirsty, drink fluids!
- If you bring lunch, pack
a "Gatorade-type" drink. Sugars
decrease the absorption of water by the body. Wear loose-fitting,
lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Block the Sun
- Wear wide-brimmed hats while in the sun.
- Use a sunscreen with
an SPF 15 or greater.
- Stay inside when possible.
- If shortness of breath occurs during
vigorous activity, stop the activity and rest in a cooler place.
- Use a buddy system in high-heat activities.
Weather Information
Heat Index - Heat Index (HI) or “apparent temperature” is
an accurate measure of how hot it really fells when the relative
humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Since heat
index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure
to full sun can increase HI values by up to 15 degrees.
Ozone – The “ozone season” runs from May
1 through October 31. Ozone alerts are issued as an “ozone
watch”, usually the day before. If conditions actually
reach hazardous levels at one of the many monitoring stations
around
the metroplex, an “ozone warning” is issued for that
area. Unless an orange or red “warning” is issued
for Collin County, the health of our students is not compromised.
The Texas
Natural Resources Conservation Commission  or
TNRCC has an excellent website for monitoring the above conditions.
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