Delhi's Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued guidelines to ensure that students and school staff are safe from the the heatwave conditions being seen in Delhi along with other parts of North India. In fact, the IMD has shared data that shows that the heatwaves in April  2024 were far worse than the previous year. The guidelines issued by the DoE for Delhi schools have been set in order to reduce a school child's exposure to intense heat. 

Directorate of Education (DoE) Guidelines For Delhi Schools

1. All schools should prominently display posters educating students on preventative measures against heat stress and heatstroke.

2. Schools should suspend assemblies in the afternoon hours.

3. Schools should not conduct open-air classes or plan outdoor activities when a heatwave is declared.

4. Schools should ensure functional RO systems are maintained and students are provided with access to clean drinking water at all times. 

5. Emergency heat-related First Aid kits and ORS solutions should be readily available for students who show signs of heat-related illness.

6. Schools should promptly report any cases of heat stress to the nearest health facility.

7. All educational institutions should also sensitise parents to ensure that students wear headgear.

8. Students should use items like hats, caps, towels, umbrellas, or other head coverings when exposed to sunlight while leaving or coming to school. 

9. Schools should give water breaks in class during extreme weather conditions.

IMD Weather Prediction For May

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that in May, maximum temperatures will be above-normal across most parts of the country. The IMD has also released a forecast that there will be  a significantly high number of heatwaves over the northern plains, central region, and adjoining areas of peninsular India.

How Keep Your Child Safe During A Heatwave

Dr Janardan Reddy shares the following tips that will help protect your child from the summer heat.

1. Ensure your child stays hydrated and encourage them to drink water throughout the day even when they are not thirsty. Give them cooling homemade drinks like lemonade, buttermilk, fresh juices, etc. This will help them avoid dehydration.

2. Create a cool environment at home by utilising fans or air conditioners to lower the indoor temperature. Curtains or blinds should be kept closed during the day to block out direct sunlight. Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for an extra cooling effect in case you don't have an AC at home.

3. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight especially between 10 am and 4 pm because the sun is the harshest during this period. Make sure they wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat if they must be outdoors.

4. If your child is engaging in any outdoor activity, ensure that they take frequent breaks away from the sun to avoid heat exhaustion.

5. Dress your child in summer friendly, light-coloured clothing to keep them comfortable.Cotton, muslin and linen clothing are ideal for summer.

6. A cool bath or a shower is a great way to lower your child’s body temperature and ease them from the heat.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Watch out for these signs of heat exhaustion/illness in your child. Seek medical attention immediately if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Headache

• Muscle cramps

• Nausea or vomiting

• Rapid heartbeat

• Confusion or disorientation

• High body temperature (above 103°F)