Heat Safety Advisory
In the event of extreme heat temperatures in our region, the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District will implement enhanced heat safety protocols to protect the health and well-being of all students. This document provides important information about heat safety measures both at school and at home, based on current guidelines from the California Department of Education (CDE), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
School Safety Measures
Indoor Environment Management
- Ensuring adequate ventilation and air conditioning in all learning spaces
- Providing access to water when needed
- Modifying indoor activities when necessary to reduce heat exposure
Outdoor Activity Modifications
- Scheduling outdoor activities during cooler morning hours when possible
- Providing frequent shade breaks during outdoor instruction and play
- Ensuring access to water during all outdoor activities
- Having cooling supplies and ice readily available for heat illness treatment
- Monitoring students for signs of heat-related illness during outdoor time
Physical Education and Sports
- Implementing modified PE schedules during extreme heat warnings
- Providing rest breaks with focus on rehydration
- Having staff monitor student health during physical activities
- Before- and after-school programs may be modified or activities rearranged.
Guidelines for Families
Please share these important heat safety guidelines with your children and implement them at home:
Staying Hydrated
- Drink water frequently: Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty
- Choose appropriate beverages: Water and non-sugary drinks are best; avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages that can contribute to dehydration
- Send water bottles: Ensure your child brings a filled water bottle to school each day
- Recognize thirst signals: Teach children that feeling thirsty means they’re already becoming dehydrated
Appropriate Clothing
- Light-colored clothing: Choose light colors that reflect rather than absorb heat
- Lightweight fabrics: Select breathable materials like cotton that allow air circulation
- Sunscreen protection: Ensure children wear sunscreen to protect against UV rays
- Loose-fitting clothes: Avoid tight clothing that can trap heat against the body
Activity Management
- Minimize strenuous outdoor activity: Limit intense physical activity during peak heat hours (typically 10 AM – 6 PM)
- Seek shade: Encourage children to play in shaded areas when outdoors
- Take frequent breaks: Teach children to rest in cool areas when they feel overheated
- Listen to their bodies: Help children recognize when they need to slow down or take a break
Recognizing Heat-related Illness
- Excessive sweating or stopped sweating
- Weakness, dizziness, or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- High body temperature
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: If you observe any of these symptoms, move your child to a cool area immediately, provide water if they’re able to drink, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on heat safety, please visit these official California resources:
California Department of Education
www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ep/extremeheat.asp
Excessive Heat Emergency Management and School Safety Resources
California Department of Public Health
www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/Communications-Toolkits/Heat-Summer-Safety.aspx
Heat Safety Communications Toolkit
www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Extreme%20Heat%20Pages/extreme-heat-guidance-for-schools.aspx
Extreme Heat Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities
Heat Ready California
heatready.ca.gov
Statewide Heat Safety Information and Preparedness Resources
Cal OES Emergency Management
news.caloes.ca.gov/beat-the-heat-safety-tips-for-children/
Beat the Heat: Safety Tips for Children and Families
Communication and Updates
The district will continue to monitor weather conditions and will notify families of any schedule changes or additional safety measures through our regular communication channels. Please ensure your contact information is current in our student information system.
If your child has specific medical conditions that may be affected by heat exposure, please contact your school nurse to discuss individual accommodation plans.
Working Together
The health and safety of our students is our top priority. By working together and following these guidelines from state health and education agencies, we can help ensure all students remain safe and healthy during periods of extreme heat.
If you have questions about these heat safety measures or need additional resources, please contact your child’s school office.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe.
This document is based on current guidelines from the California Department of Education, California Department of Public Health, and Department of Health Care Services. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official state agency websites listed above.
Last Updated: August 2025
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission is to prepare every student leader with the knowledge and skill-set needed to thrive in high school, college, and career.
Our Vision is for every FUESD student to be a confident, compassionate and courageous member of the community, who is prepared to make a meaningful contribution to the world.