It is the end of July, and that means scorching temperatures and high humidity that make it feel like well over 100 degrees outside.
So we visited with Kelly Fogleman, the Marion School District's school health coordinator, for some tips to keep all of our students, staff, parents, and stakeholders safe.
Her number one tip is to stay hydrated. Fogleman advised, “Bring a water bottle and refill it at one of our water refilling stations that we have in our hallways.”
She also suggested that loose-fitting clothing works best in the heat, especially if you have to be outdoors for any extended periods of time.
Marion School District’s buses do have air conditioning, but Fogleman believes that staying inside during this heat wave is the best advice. In fact, MSD elementary school students are participating in indoor recess. “Anytime the real feel temperature is 95 or above, we keep kids inside for recess.”
Fogleman added that they are monitoring students who may have predisposed conditions as well as students who participate in athletics to make sure they all stay safe. According to Folgeman, all athletics follow their own separate set of guidelines during times of hot temperatures. However, she does encourage students to inform coaches if they feel ill. Fogleman said, “If you have muscle cramps, confusion, if you start vomiting -- those are all red flags and need to be reported to your coach.”
Here's a link to Nurse Fogleman's heat safety tips.
Stay safe, cool, and hydrated out there in this heat, Patriots!