Weather Safety

EESD monitors local weather conditions and may use the National Weather Service HeatRisk Forecast as one of several tools to help guide decisions regarding outdoor activities, including recess, physical education, athletics, lunch periods, and school events.

The heat safety guidelines provided below are intended to support informed decision-making and promote student well-being during periods of elevated temperatures. These guidelines serve as recommendations and considerations and may be adjusted based on site conditions, student needs, and other relevant factors.

Step 1: Understand Today's Risk

• Search your location using THIS MAP to find today's HeatRisk level.

Step 2: Follow Today's "HeatRisk" Level Guidelines

When wildfire smoke or other air quality concerns impact our community, EESD monitors local conditions and follows established air quality guidelines to help protect the health and safety of students and staff.

The chart below outlines recommended activity levels and safety considerations based on current Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions and local recommendations.

Step 1: Understand Today's AQI 

• Search your location using THIS MAP to find today's Air Quality Index (AQI).

Step 2: Follow Today's Air Quality Activity Recommendations

Preventing Health Effects from Wildfire Smoke:

• There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of health effects from wildfire smoke, which is especially important for sensitive groups. The ideal strategy is to avoid high concentrations of smoke; reduce or eliminate exertion in smoky environments; and reduce or eliminate the time spent in smoky environments.
• When the air is unhealthy, the best option is to:
  • Stay indoors. Close the windows and doors and use the air conditioner with updated air filters (MERV 13 or higher). Consider using an air cleaner where you spend the most time.
  • Avoid moderate or strenuous outdoor activity. Reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows/doors closed. If the indoor temperature is high, get to a location with clean filtered air such as a public library, shopping mall or other building with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system filtration.

During wildfire emergencies, EESD follows established safety protocols and works closely with local emergency responders to protect students and staff. The decision tree below provides an overview of how evacuation, shelter-in-place, and reunification decisions are made during a wildfire event.