Govt issues guidelines regarding precautions to be observed by schools to combat ill-effects of heat-wave

May 11: The Union Ministry of Education today issued following guidelines regarding precautions to be observed by schools to combat the ill-effects of the heat-wave.

1. Modification in School timings and daily routine:

• School hours may start early and get over before noon. Timing may be from 7.00 AM onwards.
• Number of school hours per day may be reduced.
• Sports/ other outdoor activities which expose students directly to the sunlight may be appropriately adjusted in the early morning.
• School assembly should be conducted in covered area or in classrooms with reduced timing.
• Similar care may be taken during dispersal after school is over.

2. Transportation:

• School bus/van should not be over-crowded. It should not carry students more than the seating capacity.
• Drinking water and first aid kit should be available in the bus/van.
• Students coming to school on foot/ bicycle should be advised to keep their head covered.
• Parents should be sensitised to pick-up the students themselves, to the extent possible, to avoid public transport and minimise their time out in the sun.
• School bus/van may be parked in a shaded area.

3. Hydration:

• Students may be advised to carry their own water bottles, caps and umbrellas and use them when out in the open

• School should ensure availability of sufficient potable water at multiple places preferably at temperature lower than that of surroundings.
• Water cooler/ earthen pots (pitchers) may be used for providing cold water.
• In every period, teacher should remind students to sip water from their water bottles.
• While going back home, schools must ensure that students are carrying water in their bottles.
• Students should be made aware of the importance of proper hydration to combat the heat wave and advised to drink sufficient water at regular interval.
• With increased hydration, use of washrooms may increase and schools should be prepared for it by keeping the washrooms hygienic and clean

4. Food and Meals:

PM POSHAN:

• Heat can spoil food therefore hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN must be served hot and fresh. In charge teacher may check the food before serving.
• Children carrying tiffins may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly.
• Canteens in schools should ensure that fresh and healthy food is served.
• Children may be advised to have light food during lunch/tiffin.

5. Comfortable classroom:

• • School should ensure that all fans are functional and that all classrooms are properly ventilated.
  • Availability of alternate power back up may be arranged, if possible.
  • Curtains/blinds/newspaper, etc. may be used to stop the sunlight entering directly into the classroom.
  • If any local traditional practices are being followed by the school to keep the surroundings cool such as ‘khus’ curtains, bamboo/ jute chiks etc., they may be continued.

6. Uniform:

• Students may be allowed to wear loose and light coloured cotton material dress.
• Schools may relax norms regarding uniform such as neck ties.
• Canvas shoes may be allowed instead of leather shoes.
• Students may be advised to preferably wear full-sleeve shirt.

7. First-Aid facilities:

• Sachets of ORS solution, or salt and sugar solution to treat mild heat-stroke should be readily available in the schools.
• Teaching and non-teaching staff should be trained to provide first aid to students in case of mild heat-stroke
• Schools must ensure quick access to nearest hospital/ clinic/ doctor/ nurse, etc. in case of heatstroke.
  • Essential medical kits should be available in school.

8. Do’s and Don’ts for students:

• Do’s & Don’ts regarding heat wave should be displayed at prominent places in the school. These may include the following:-

Do’s:

• • Drink sufficient water- even if not thirsty
  • Use ORS (Oral Rehydration solution), homemade drink like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, butter milk, etc. to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Wear lightweight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes.
  • Cover your head by using cloth, hat or umbrella, etc.
  • Stay indoor as much as possible

· If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately

Don’ts:

• Do not go outside on an empty stomach or after consuming heavy food
• Avoid going out in the sun, especially in the afternoon if not required
• Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon
• Do not go outside barefoot
• Do not eat junk/stale/spicy food

9. Exam Centres::

• Children may be allowed to bring their own transparent water bottle in the examination hall.
• Examination centres should ensure availability of potable drinking water which is easily accessible to the candidates at the centres.
• Examination Centres should ensure that the candidates are promptly supplied water when asked for at their seats in the examination hall
• Examination halls may be provided with fans.
• Students waiting area at the examination centre may be in a shaded/covered area with provision of water.
• Linkage of examination centres should be made with local health worker and medical centres for any emergency.

10. Residential Schools:

In addition to the above, residential schools may take the following additional measures:

• Essential medicines for common ailments related with summer season should be available with Staff Nurse.
• Students may be made aware regarding prevention of heat stroke.
• Windows in the dormitories should be provided with curtains.
• Lemon, butter milk& seasonal fruits with high water content should be included in the diet.
• Spicy food should be avoided.
• Continuous availability of water and electricity should be ensured in classrooms, hostels and dining hall.
• Sports and games activities should be conducted in the evening.