Keeping cool when temperatures rise

When school is in session on days when temperatures are expected to rise, we provide instructions to students, staff and families to ensure them we are prepared to address anticipated high temperatures and humidity. This information is also shared on social media and the CMSD website when appropriate.

Below is sample information we have shared in the past with staff (a similar version is adapted for families) regarding how best to prepare for and to communicate the manner in which the District addresses high temperatures in schools.

For your information, the Heat Index (a combination of Heat and Humidity) is the critical factor to monitor, with prolonged exposure to Heat Indexes in excess of 90 degrees requiring Extreme Caution for the Likelihood of Heat Disorders. Think of it as heat’s version of the Wind Chill Factor. A Heat Index chart, provided from the National Weather Service is shown below.

FOR BUILDINGS WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING:

• If you need drinking water, please contact Christopher Burkhardt of Child Nutrition Services at 216-650-7612.
• The Facilities Department has already provided box fans for classrooms and, where possible, fans to increase air circulation in your hallways. If you do not have the box fans you need for your classrooms, please ask your Custodian to contact his/her Custodian Supervisor.
• Principals / Assistant Principals / Custodians should monitor classroom conditions, moving your classes to cooler, shaded parts of your building where possible. Follow the tips shown below to keep your scholars and educators as comfortable as possible.
• Principals / Assistant Principals who become concerned about excess heat, should notify their Network Leader for District direction and support.

FOR BUILDINGS WITH AIR CONDITIONING:

• Principals / Assistant Principals /Custodians should monitor classroom conditions. If a problem occurs with a portion of your building’s cooling system, the Custodian should contact his/her Custodial Supervisor for assistance in correcting the problem and, if necessary, to have fans delivered to the school for the affected area of the building. If there is a full air-conditioning system failure, Principals / Assistant Principals should contact their Network Leader and Custodians should contact their Custodial Supervisor for direction and support and the school should follow the procedures outlined above.

TIPS FOR ALL SCHOOLS (adapted from the National Weather Service):

• Slow down: reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors. (You may want to consider moving some activities to shaded outdoor areas, where appropriate).
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
• Drink plenty of water (not very cold), even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun.

SCHOOL CLOSURE OR EARLY DISMISSAL FOR EXCESSIVE HEAT: