In Hawaii, heat is uncomfortable particularly in the months of August and September. The Hawaii State Department of Education and Department of Health have worked together to develop detailed guidelines regarding heat. [VIEW]
Here are some recommendations to prepare your child for school to deal with the warm temperatures:
- Have your child wear light-weight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing;
- Send your child with a small water bottle on hot days;
- Make sure your child has a cap with a brim that protects the face for outdoor activities;
- Talk to your child about the dangers of getting overheated;
- If your child has physical and/or health needs that may require an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) updated or developed for heat related illness, please contact your School Health Aide. They will refer you to a Public Health Nurse (PHN) assigned to your school. The PHN will assess the student’s health needs, and work with the parent/guardian and physician to update or develop an EAP. The plan will be available to appropriate staff at all times. This may include:
- Medical conditions such as asthma or other breathing difficulties, history of life-threatening or severe allergic reactions, diabetes, seizure disorders, and technology-dependent or medically fragile conditions.
- Physical limitations such as auditory impaired, visually impaired, wheel chair bound, walking impairment, or wheel chair bound.
Please direct any questions to your school's Public Health Nurse.