Avon Lake Recreation Department
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Model Guidelines for Managing Heat & Humidity


Model Guidelines for Managing Heat & Humidity
 
Purpose: These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of all participants during high-heat and high-humidity conditions. Staff, participants, parents, and coaches should adhere to these measures based on the current Heat Index.
 
Heat Index: 80°F to 89°F
All Outdoor Programs:
  • Monitor participants closely for signs of heat distress.
  • Encourage frequent water breaks.
 
Heat Index: 90°F to 94°F
All Outdoor Programs:
  • Optional water breaks every 30 minutes, lasting 10 minutes.
  • Use ice-down towels for cooling.
  • Monitor participants closely for signs of heat distress.
 
Heat Index: 95°F to 99°F
All Outdoor Programs:
  • Provide ample water. Participants should have unrestricted access to water at all times.
  • Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes, lasting 10 minutes.
  • Use ice-down towels and other cooling methods (e.g., water sprinklers, fans, shaded areas).
  • Monitor participants closely for heat distress and take appropriate action.
  • Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increases in Heat Index.
  • Reduce outdoor activity duration and consider postponing activities, practices or games to later in the day.
Activities & Contact Sports with Additional Equipment:
  • Remove equipment (e.g., helmets) during non-contact activities.
  • Modify activities (e.g., football practice in shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets only).
 
Heat Index: 100°F to 104°F
All Outdoor Activities:
  • Provide ample water. Participants should have unrestricted access to water at all times.
  • Mandatory water breaks every 20 minutes, lasting 10 minutes.
  • Use ice-down towels and other cooling methods (e.g., water sprinklers, fans, shaded areas).
  • Modify uniforms when possible (e.g., football practice in shorts, t-shirts, and helmets only).
  • Monitor participants closely for heat distress and take appropriate action.
  • Reduce outdoor and indoor activity duration, especially if air conditioning is unavailable.
  • Re-check temperature and humidity every 30 minutes.
  • Postpone or suspend activities if necessary for safety.
 
Heat Index: Above 104°F
All Outdoor Activities:
  • Cease all outdoor activities, including practices and games.
  • Suspend indoor activities unless air conditioning is available.
  • Reschedule or postpone activities until the Heat Index falls below 104°F.
 
Additional Notes:
  • When the temperature is below 80°F, no combination of heat and humidity requires curtailing activities.
  • Parents always have the final say regarding their child’s participation. If you feel conditions are unsafe, you may withhold your child from participating in activities, practices, or games without consequences. Please notify the activity coordinator, coach, or staff member if you choose to withhold your child.




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