Dear Superintendent Bates,
You’re doing your part but I missed in your video what the health code cut-off for temperature was. Or is that a “need to know” thing? My principal has brought in water in 7th period for two days straight(great idea). We want to thank him (Ike Spencer at West Lake) for that. Keep up the good work. I never thought, at my age, I would be thought of as a “HOT” teacher, so thanks for improving my reputation.
RESPONSE:
Great Question! The Utah Department of Health has identified four “heat health hazard” levels: Below 79.9F – No Hazard; 80 to 89.9F – Caution Level; 90 to 99.9F – Extreme Caution Level; and 100F or Above – Danger Level.
The following language is from our school services manual of which every principal has a copy of.
Caution Level – schools are to encourage loose-fitting, light colored, lightweight clothing; encourage wide brimmed hats and sun screen (SPF 15 or higher) during recess and outdoor activities; maintain adequate fluid intake (encourage students to bring water bottles and take frequent water breaks); increase room ventilation (open windows/doors, use fans); provide wet wipes, damp clothes and/or spray bottles to cool forehead, arms, legs, and face; decrease physical activity at recess and in PE classes; and, limit recess to cooler morning hours if necessary.
Extreme Caution Level – all of the above and move students/staff to cooler areas of the building, as often as necessary, to avoid being in the above 90 degree F areas for longer than 60-90 minutes at a time.
Danger Level – all of the above and immediately move the students/staff to cooler areas of the building. If there are no suitable locations below the “danger” level, immediately contact the School Leadership and Improvement Services Department to determine what actions, including the possible dismissal of school, to initiate.
To my knowledge, this direction has been followed throughout this hot time. In fact, I understand that action steps have frequently been taken even when thresholds have not been met.
I greatly appreciate the professionalism and team work of our educators and staff in protecting both the safety and learning of children through the difficult heat. My own wide-brimmed hat (worn while the air conditioning was off in my office this week when temperatures reached the Extreme Caution Level) is off to all of them!
Sincerely,
Martin