Extreme Heat Conditions in Schools

Three photos showing an outdoor thermometer, young children on a tire swing, and a student holding a water bottle

Extreme Heat is becoming more common during the school year in New York State. Hot days can affect student and staff health, comfort, and performance, but there are steps schools can take to prepare and respond. This webpage provides information about extreme heat requirements, best practices, and resources to help schools keep students and staff at their best when it’s hot outside.

Education Law § 409-n

All common, union free, central, central high schools, city school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), in accordance with Education Law § 409-n, must develop a policy for ensuring health and safety of students, faculty, and staff on extreme heat condition days. The guidance is for all indoor occupiable spaces, not including kitchens used for food preparation.

  • An extreme heat day is when indoor occupied spaces are 82°F or higher.
  • Measure indoor room temperature in shaded locations, 3 feet above the floor, near the center of the room.
  • When the indoor temperature reaches 82°F, the district must take action and implement their extreme heat policy.
  • At 88°F or higher, plans should include relocating students and staff where practicable to cooler areas.

Developing an Extreme Heat Policy

The following recommendations can help schools build and strengthen extreme heat policies and preparedness plans. Extreme heat plans and policies should:

  • Involve input from BOCES, health and safety committees, nurses, and facilities staff.
  • Define internal roles for monitoring, response, and documentation.
    • Designate a heat response coordinator (e.g., school nurse/ BOCES representative) to coordinate response and communicate with district leadership when needed.
  • Include education for students, staff, and parents/guardians about the importance of safety during extreme heat, both indoors and outdoors on playgrounds and athletic fields.
  • Include special consideration for students and staff with health needs or those taking medications that may increase heat sensitivity.
  • Be integrated into the district’s existing School Safety Plan.

Districts should consider creating an end-of-season report including topics like extreme heat-related incidents, to improve their response to future heat events.

Best Practices for Schools

Be Prepared

  • Identify relocation spaces and access to cooling centers if indoor temperatures reach 88°F or higher.
  • Monitor the weather report and heat index to anticipate when indoor temperatures may rise.
  • Create clear expectations, roles, and communication among nurses, facilities staff, and families.
  • Document temperatures throughout the day.
  • Activate your extreme heat response plan during extreme heat conditions.
  • Consider activating the plan when temperatures are 1–2°F below 82°F to allow sufficient time for response.
  • Educate faculty and staff on how to keep children safe.

Take Action

  • Modify activities and alter schedules when extreme heat is expected.
  • Reduce the temperature indoors by turning off overhead lights and unused electronics.
    • Lighting levels should still allow for proper instruction and classroom work.
  • Encourage water breaks throughout the day and ensure access to water fountains and bottle filling stations.
  • If ceiling fans are used, set them to rotate counterclockwise to improve air circulation.
  • Open classroom doors/windows to increase airflow keeping building and fire safety requirements in mind. Do not wedge open fire doors.
  • Know the signs, symptoms, and treatment for heat-related illnesses.
  • If anyone shows signs of heat-related illness, notify the school nurse immediately.

Heat-related Illnesses

Children are more vulnerable than adults to heat and are less likely to recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Some children may be more sensitive to heat such as those with asthma, chronic health conditions, disabilities, or who take certain medications. Adults can also be affected including staff who are older, pregnant, have chronic health conditions, take certain medications or work in hot areas of the building.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Heat Rash: Tiny red bumps or fluid filled blisters often on the neck, chest, and skin folds.
  • Heat Cramps: Heavy sweating with muscle cramps and nausea.
  • Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, or fainting.
  • Heat Stroke Call 9-1-1 immediately: Hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, or a high body temperature over 103°F.

Communication with Families

In anticipation of extreme heat, educate families on how to stay informed and how to keep children safe. Use communication methods that best reach families such as social media posts, emails, website postings, and classroom communication applications to share important messaging such as:

  • Where to sign up for weather alerts and heat advisories.
  • How to stay informed about the school’s heat policies and procedures.
  • How to sign up for school notifications to be aware of schedule changes or early dismissals.
  • How to spot the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
  • Dress children in light colored, lightweight, breathable and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Send in a refillable water bottle and encourage regular hydration.
  • Avoid caffeine and limit sugary drinks.
  • Apply sunscreen and provide sun protection for outdoor activities.
  • Inform the school nurse or teacher whether a child has a medical condition or takes medications that may increase heat sensitivity.

School Environmental Health Program (SEHP) Support

The SEHP Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring Tool Program can support schools with resources and training related to extreme heat.

View all SEHP publications that are available for order