Hot Weather Guidelines and Air Quality Index (AQI)

Weekly HeatRisk Indicator for HUSD

All HUSD schools will use the following HeatRisk color indicator to monitor outdoor activities.

The HeatRisk color indicator is noted for each day of the week in the box above the weather forecast (updated 11/07/2024).

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Location:	Lat: 33.750, Lon: -117.000
Hemet CA	Elev: 1549 ft.

Potential Heat Risks:
Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed
NWS Forecast:
High 71°F	Low 42°F High 74°F	Low 44°F High 78°F	Low 46°F High 78°F	Low 46°F High 76°F	Low 45°F High 72°F	Low 47°F High 79°F

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Direct link to Nationa l Weather Service’s “HeatRisk” forecast

Hot Weather Guidelines

With higher temperatures and extreme heat conditions occurring more often, all schools in the Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) have plans in place for the continued operation of schools during periods of extreme hot weather.

The safety and well-being of our students and employees are our top priority. We want to make sure that students and employees are healthy, and to prevent heat-related illness so that learning can continue. As a result, our schools have guidelines in place for instruction and athletics during hot weather.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated its guidance for schools on sports and strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat.

Forecasting Heat

CDPH and HUSD are using the latest version of the National Weather Service’s “HeatRisk” forecast, which incorporates data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related health impacts. HeatRisk is a better indicator than temperature alone because it takes into consideration:

How unusual the heat is for your location and time of the year
How long the heat will last

HeatRisk Levels and Guidelines
Adapted from CDPH Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat

Value 0	Little of to risk from expected heat
General actions for those at risk	No preventative action necessary
HUSD Actions	No preventative action necessary

Value 1	Minor: This level of heat affects primarily individuals extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without effective cooling/hydration. This level initiates concern for students with pre-existing health conditions that cause sensitivity to heat.
General actions for those at risk	• Increase hydration • Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest
HUSD Actions	• For students who have pre-existing health conditions causing sensitivity to heat, refer to accommodations in 504 and IEPs. • Monitor outside activity. • Parents actively monitor the district/site website for heat indicator of the day. Parents asked to pack cold water and dress students in cool clothing.

Value 2	Moderate: This level of heat is tolerated by many but affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Some risk for the general population who are exposed to the sun for longer periods of time
General actions for those at risk	• Increase hydration • Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest
HUSD Actions	• Implement alternative plan including possible change of schedule or location of outside activity. • Access to water for students with pre-existing health conditions that causes sensitivity to heat. • Reduce outside activity. During recess/lunch students may be outside half the time and inside for the other half. • Parents actively monitor the district/site website for heat indicator of the day. Parents asked to pack cold water and dress students in cool clothing.

Value 3	Major: This type of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Individuals who are active in the sun and those who are sensitive to heat are at risk. Possible poor air quality. Possible interruptions of power as demand increases.
General actions for those at risk	• Consider canceling outdoor activities during the heat of the day, otherwise move activities to the coolest part of the day. • Stay hydrated. • Stay in a cool place during the day and evening. • Fans may not be adequate. Use air conditioning or find a location that has it. A few hours in a cool location may lower risk.
HUSD Actions	• Reschedule all outdoor and unconditioned indoor activities to a cool time of the day or a different day. • Scheduled water breaks for all classes and student group activities. • Notify parents about high heat and ask them to pack cold water and dress students in cool clothing • Check temperature of metal and plastic playground equipment. • Monitor mobility devices to ensure that they are safe for use (i.e., check metal and vinyl parts to make sure they are safety to touch). • Relocation of students will be considered if there is limited to no access to air conditioning or water. • Athletics Programs: all outdoor and unconditioned indoor activities are rescheduled to a cool time of day or a different day.


Value 3	Extreme: This level of rare and/or long duration extreme heat with little or no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. This multi-day excessive heat is dangerous for everyone who is not prepared. Poor air quality is likely. Power outages are more likely as electrical demands reach critical levels.
General actions for those at risk	• Strongly consider canceling outdoor activities. • Stay hydrated. • Stay in a cool place, including overnight. • Use air conditioning or find a location that has it. A few hours in a cool location may lower risk.
HUSD Actions	• Cancel all outdoor and unconditioned indoor activities. • Relocation of students will be considered if there is limited to no access to air conditioning or water. • Athletics Programs: Cancel and reschedule all outdoor and unconditioned indoor activities.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement of air quality that indicates how clean or polluted the air is and the potential health concerns associated with it.