Local school districts move outdoor activities indoors due to heat

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Kids at Garden Elementary School were getting their early morning energy out before they were stuck in a gym, away from the blazing sun, for the rest of the day.

"We are used to the 100, 102, but when it gets to the 105, 106, 107, that's a lot for any of us to be outside, whether it's our custodial team or our maintenance staff, we wanna take care of everyone while we are here at school," says Tricia Leslie, Administrator of Health Services at Tulare City School District.

The district is ready to make sure their over 9,000 students stay hydrated and safe through the heat wave.

"As of one pm all kids are inside. It's like a rainy day schedule, so no PE in the afternoon, no afterschool sports, it's to make sure that they are okay," explains Tricia.

Like many others in the area, the district has postponed their sports practices and games this week.

Even cancelling outdoor sports tryouts, including cheer, volleyball and football.

"Student safety is the first and foremost priority for our district and we wanna make sure all students are safe," mentions Gabe Hinojos, Tulare City School District Athletic Director.

"We had tryouts starting last week but these guys only had one day just because the heat has been so rough," continues Gabe.

The heat will continue through the weekend and parents are encouraged to monitor children for any heat related illnesses.

Meanwhile, the district is keeping a close eye on students with pre-existing medical conditions.

Tricia says, "It ranges from anything from diabetics to students who have seizures, to students that have major allergies and asthma which the air does not help at all with our asthmatic students."

Districts, like Lindsays Unified School District and Visalia Unified School district utilize the Perry Weather Monitoring System, to help guide decisions on outdoor activities.

Visalia Unified School District says, "Every school relies on the nearest weather station for the most accurate local readings, and families are notified by the school of any changes to school events or programs due to adverse weather. Our priority is always the health and well-being of our students, and we are fully prepared to respond quickly and appropriately as temperatures rise."

Local school districts across the valley will continue to monitor the heat index and could postpone outdoor activities next week.

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