Srinagar, May 22 (KNO): School Education Department (SED) Thursday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for government and private schools to be followed during summer hours amidst prevailing heatwave and afternoon stormy winds.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in a circular said, “In light of the prevailing heatwave conditions and the increasing frequency of afternoon stormy winds across Kashmir division, it has become imperative to implement effective safety protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff.”
DSEK said that the well-being of students is paramount, and proactive measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
SOPs and Guidelines
Guidelines for outdoor activities, particularly games
Morning assembly should be kept brief and conducted in a shaded area or indoors as far as possible. Emphasis should be on essential announcements rather than prolonged drills or speeches.
All outdoor games, sports activities, and physical education classes shall be conducted before 10:30 AM. This includes any form of recess or break period where students might be inclined to play outdoors.
If outdoor activities are absolutely necessary, they must be conducted before 10:30 AM and with the following precautions:
Hydration Breaks: Frequent and mandatory hydration breaks must be provided every 15-20 minutes. Schools must ensure the availability of potable drinking water at multiple accessible points.
Shaded Areas: Activities should be conducted in shaded areas as far as possible.
Supervision: Strict supervision by Physical Education Teachers and other staff is essential to monitor students for signs of heat stress (dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, headache, fatigue). Reduced Intensity: The intensity and duration of physical activity must be significantly reduced. Focus should be on less strenuous
Schools must devise alternative indoor activities for physical education and games, such as indoor board games, light stretching exercises in well-ventilated classrooms or halls, creative arts and crafts and educational games and quizzes.
Health and safety measures during heatwave:
Hydration:
Schools must ensure a continuous and adequate supply of clean, potable drinking water at all times. Water coolers must be functional and regularly cleaned.
Students should be encouraged to carry their own water bottles and refill them frequently.
Teachers should periodically remind students to drink water.
Hydration breaks of 10 minutes must be mandatorily provided after every class/period.
Ventilation and Cooling:
Classrooms must be adequately ventilated. All fans should be in working order.
School buses/vans must install multiple small fans for enhanced cooling and ventilation.
School buses/vans must be parked in shaded areas and parking sheds, wherever possible.
Curtains or blinds should be used to block direct sunlight.
Wherever possible, air coolers may be considered for common areas or sick rooms.
First aid and medical preparedness:
The school's first aid kit must be well-stocked with necessary medicines for heat-related illnesses (e.g., ORS packets).
A designated staff member (preferably with basic first aid training) should be available to attend to any student exhibiting signs of heat stress.
Schools must have a plan for emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility if a student's condition deteriorates. Contact numbers of parents/guardians and local medical services must be readily available.
Awareness and education:
Teachers should sensitise students about the dangers of heatstroke and dehydration.
Information on preventive measures should be displayed on school notice boards or through posters.
Parents should be informed about the revised timings and safety measures through school circulars/messages.
Preparedness for afternoon stormy winds:
Securing Outdoor Structures: Before dispersal, schools must ensure that all outdoor structures, hoardings, temporary sheds, and lightweight objects are properly secured or removed to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds.
Window and Door Safety: All windows and doors in classrooms and school buildings must be securely latched before students and staff leave the premises.
Tree Hazards: School authorities should inspect the premises for weak or overhanging tree branches that could pose a risk during strong winds and take necessary action for pruning or removal.
Dispersal management:
Dispersal should be managed smoothly and efficiently to ensure students leave the school premises quickly and safely.
Parents and guardians should be encouraged to pick up their children promptly.
Schools must have a contingency plan for students who might be delayed in pick-up due to weather conditions. These students should be kept in a safe, indoor location under supervision.
General Instructions:
Monitoring weather forecasts: School authorities shall regularly monitor local weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and district administration.
Flexibility and local assessment: While these SOPs provide a general framework, school heads are empowered to make minor adjustments based on specific local conditions, in consultation with the respective Chief Education Officer, ensuring the safety of students remains the top priority.
Compliance and reporting: Chief Education Officers shall ensure strict compliance of these SOPs by all schools under their jurisdiction. Any deviations or challenges in implementation must be reported to this Directorate
DSEK in the circular further said that the measures are temporary and will be reviewed and revised as the weather conditions improve—(KNO)