Fort Bend ISD Outdoor Play

Weather Guidelines

(PE, Recess, Classroom Activities)

The guidelines below are based on the National Weather Service and provide information to campus staff as they plan for outdoor activities such as physical education class, recess, and educational or recreational activities throughout the school day.  It should be part of the daily routine in schools to monitor the weather.  Campus teachers and staff are encouraged to use weather apps and/or check weather websites when making decisions regarding outdoor physical activity time for students.

• Students should be encouraged to drink plenty of water, before, during, and after exercise.
• Students should be allowed to take frequent water breaks and rest in a shaded area as needed.

Heat-Related Injury Information

Heat Exhaustion:

• Normal body temperature
• Pale and clammy skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid and weak pulse
• Tiredness, weakness, headache, nausea

Heat Exhaustion Action Steps:

1. Have the student lie down in a cool, quiet place.
2. Have the student loosen their clothing.
3. Call the school nurse.
4. Apply cool, wet clothes.
5. Give sips of cold water.
6. Notify the parent.
7. If the condition worsens or the student show signs of shock, call 911.

Heat Stroke:

• High temperature
• Hot, flush, dry skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• May be unconscious

Heat Stroke Action Steps:

1. Call the school nurse/EMS (911).
2. Place the student in a cool, quiet place.
3. Apply cold, wet clothes.
4. Take the temperature.
5. If conscious, give sips of cold water.
6. Notify the parent.

Ozone/Air Quality Guidelines

To sign up for instant ozone alert notifications from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), click on https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/ozone_email.html and follow the instructions.

Check the following reporting stations for Air Quality Index (AQI) values at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/cgi-bin/compliance/monops/aqi_rpt.pl. Click Houston. These are the reporting stations closest to Fort Bend ISD schools:

• Houston Westhollow C410
• Houston Bayland Park C53/C146/C181
• Houston Croquet C409
• Manvel Croix Park C84

The following precautions should be observed on all campuses:

Lightning Guidelines

At the sound of thunder or the sighting of lightning, all students should be moved inside.  All students should be kept inside for 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder and/or the sighting of lightning.  Each time thunder is heard and/or lightning is sighted, the 30-minute clock starts over.  There must be a continuous absence of thunder or lightning for at least 30 minutes before students are allowed back outside.

Cold Weather Guidelines

Wind-Chill Factor Chart (in Fahrenheit)

Air temperature and wind speed combined determine the length of outdoor play during cold conditions.  On cold days, students should dress appropriately. As a general guide when the temperature including wind chill is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, there is no outdoor play.