Pasadena Unified Implements Heat Safety Measures Ahead of Excessive Heat Warning

Pasadena Unified School District officials on Tuesday outlined measures to protect students from an Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service, which forecasts a high of 101 degrees in Pasadena on Thursday.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we want to inform you about the Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service this week,” the district said in an email to the school community.

Temperatures are expected to rise from 98 degrees and moderate risk on Wednesday, peaking at 101 degrees with major risk Thursday and Friday, then dipping to 100 degrees with moderate risk Saturday.

Schools will ensure access to water and cool indoor spaces during recess, lunch and nutrition breaks; set up cool-down stations with misting fans and portable shade canopies; shift elementary lunch 30 minutes earlier; and ask families to apply sunscreen and send hats, the district announced.

Outdoor activities and physical education will be reduced or moved indoors, and mobility devices and playground equipment will be monitored for surface heat.

On Thursday, when risk is major, schools will follow indoor “rainy day” schedules in air-conditioned spaces, cancel outdoor and unconditioned indoor activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., reschedule events to cooler times or days, enforce water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes and check playground equipment temperatures.

It is likely this will be repeated on Friday, but not yet known.

As of Tuesday night, the district said athletic activities at high schools will proceed as scheduled Friday evening barring forecast changes. Early Wednesday, the forecast pushed Fridays high up to 101; it is unknown as the time of this writing if that will trigger a change in the athletic activities outlook.

“We encourage students to let coaches know right away if they do not feel well during practice or games,” the district said.

Families should watch children for signs of heat exhaustion — headache, dizziness, muscle cramps and nausea — and seek medical attention immediately. They also are urged to send students with refillable water bottles and dress them in lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing, according to the district.

For questions or concerns, families can contact the district’s Health Services hotline at (626) 396-3650. A full notice in Spanish is available on the Pasadena Unified School District website.

“Please take precautions to avoid heat-related illness and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key during high temperatures!” the district reminded everyone.