Heat Safety Guidelines
Practice or competition in hot and/or humid conditions poses special problems for participants in extra-curricular activities. Heat stress and resulting heat illness is a primary concern in these conditions. Although deaths resulting from heat illness are rare, constant surveillance and education are necessary to prevent heat-related problems.
Each student participating in a UIL activity is required to have an initial complete medical history and physical evaluation before practice begins. Students should be informed of any monitored for the signs of heat illness such as: cessation of sweating, weakness cramping, rapid and weak pulse, pale or flushed skin, excessive fatigue, nausea, unsteadiness, disturbance of vision and incoherency. If heat illness is suspected prompt emergency treatment is recommended.
Guidelines
The LPISD guidlines are based on the Heat Index at the time of the activity in question. Heat Index is defined as the number of degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual temperature. It must be noted that exposure to full sunshine can increase the Heat Index by as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each coach or sponsor must have access to an on-line computer on a daily basis. The La Porte ISD weather station will be the designated as the official weather information source for the purposes of these guidelines. The address to access the weather site is http://www.lpisd.org/weathernet/. Please bookmark this site on your computer for daily reference.
The following guidelines are recommended when using the Heat Index (feels like temerature) to determine the level and intensity of outdoor activities.
- A Heat Index of less than 80 is considered comfortable. No special precautions are necessary.
- A Heat Index of greater than 90 is considered extreme. Closely monitor participants for signs of heat illness. Adjust outside activities in regard to level of intensity, time of exposure, and number of rest and rehydration breaks allowed. Delaying practices unti there is a lower Heat Index may be necessary.
- A Heat Index of greater than 100 is considered hazardous. The same recommendations should be used during these conditions.
- A Heat Index of greater than 110 is considered dangerous. No outside activities should take place during this type of exposure.