Valley school prepares for triple digit heat and officials warn of air quality concerns

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The school year is winding down in Central Unified but officials with the district are not taking this week's heat wave lightly.

Several plans are in place to keep students cool during and after school, such as 10 minute water breaks for every 30 minutes when students are outdoors.

"They need to exercise indoors and really limit any outdoor activity, and even for those who aren't sensitive that they should really limit their outdoor activity and exercise in doors as much as possible," said Sonja Dosti, Central Unified School District.

By the end of the week high temperatures could hit 105 degrees or just above. If that happens then Central Unified postpones all outdoor activities and sports practices until after 7:00 p.m. with the possibility of canceling activities.

And as temperatures go up in the Valley air quality tends to get worse. Officials with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District said this is the start of ozone season, and there are simple steps you can take to help out Valley air quality.

"Try and find ways to reduce the vehicle miles traveled that you put on your car. So that means if you can take your lunch instead of using an extra trip at lunch time," said Heather Heinks, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control.

Several Valley school districts work with the Valley Air District monitor conditions to keep students safe and healthy.

Heinks said, "School teachers and administrators can get a notice sent to their phone, or email sent to their in-box, to let them know when ozone levels are creeping up."

But across town parents are taking advantage of the convenience of several splash parks that the city of Fresno has opened for the summer.

"Especially when you live in an apartment complex and there's not a swimming pool. So it is really nice to let them come and let the kids run around and play," said Trisha Olson, Fresno.

City officials said the splash parks are open every day through mid-October from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the exception of Tuesday when the parks open at noon.

All the splash parks are free to the public and you can find a list of locations here.