Supporting Our Kids as They Head Back to School in Extreme Heat: Essential Safety Reminders for Families and Educators

As back-to-school season arrives, families, teachers, and coaches are working together to get our students excited and ready for a great year ahead. However, with extreme heat warnings currently affecting many parts of our state, keeping our kids safe, hydrated, and healthy during outdoor activities and sports is a top priority for all of us.

Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness because their bodies heat up faster and take longer to cool down than adults. Recognizing the signs of heat illness and taking proactive steps ensures every student can participate in sports, recess, and school activities safely.

Here are key heat safety reminders to keep in mind as we kick off the new school year together.

Before You Leave for School Reminders

Waiting until a child says they are thirsty usually means they are already mildly dehydrated. Hydration is a full-day habit that starts before students even step out the door.

• Start in the morning: Encourage kids to drink a glass of water before leaving for school.
• Pack reusable water bottles: Send a labeled, insulated water bottle with your child every day, and encourage them to refill it throughout the day.
• Dress for the weather: Encourage loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen before school helps protect exposed skin from UV rays.

Smart Adjustments for Outdoor Activities & Sports

Physical activity is vital for young people’s health, but high temperatures mean adjusting how and when outdoor play and sports practice take place.

• Schedule wisely: Whenever possible, outdoor practices, recess, or conditioning should be scheduled for the early morning hours before temperatures peak. If an Extreme Heat Warning is issued, consider moving outdoor activities inside. 
• Mandate shaded hydration breaks: Integrate basic heat safety rules into school routines, such as taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces and drinking water.
• Replace lost electrolytes: For PE, sports games and practice, or any activities outside, consider providing cold low-sugar beverages with electrolytes paired with light, healthy snacks (like fresh fruit or trail mix) to help replace lost essential minerals.
• Acclimate gradually: For youth participating in fall sports, give their bodies 10–14 days to gradually adapt to playing in warmer weather rather than jumping into full-intensity practices on day one.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Recognizing the early indicators of heat illness allows us to step in early and prevent a minor issue from becoming a medical emergency.

Foster Open Dialogue & the “Buddy System”

Kids and teens often want to push through fatigue or heat to avoid missing out or letting their team down.

• Normalize speaking up: Remind children to tell an adult if they feel dizzy, overheated, or nauseous. This is a sign of smart self-care, not weakness.
• Use a buddy system: Teach students to keep an eye on their classmates or teammates during recess and sports. If someone looks unusually flushed or seems confused, encourage them to alert a teacher or coach.

Stay Informed & Access Local Resources

Keeping our kids safe is a community effort. For real-time updates, local cooling resources, cooling centers, and detailed guidance on protecting your family during extreme weather, please explore these official state resources:

• heat.az.gov — Arizona’s central hub for heat safety, active alerts, cooling centers, and family preparedness tools.
• azdhs.gov/heat — The Arizona Department of Health Services page for heat-related health data, warnings, and educational safety guides.

Together, with a little preparation and careful attention, we can make this school year both safe and successful for all our students!