SRINAGAR: The School Education Department (SED) on Thursday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for government and private schools in view of the ongoing heatwave and frequent afternoon winds.
Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), in a circular, said: “In light of the prevailing heatwave conditions and increasing frequency of afternoon stormy winds across Kashmir division, it has become necessary to implement safety protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff.”
The circular stated that student well-being is the priority, and proactive steps are needed to reduce risks during extreme weather.
SOPs and Guidelines
Outdoor Activities and Morning Assemblies:
- Morning assemblies should be brief and held indoors or in shaded areas.
- Assemblies should focus only on essential announcements.
- All outdoor sports and physical education must be completed before 10:30 AM.
- Recess and break periods involving outdoor play must also follow the same schedule.
If outdoor activity is unavoidable, schools must ensure:
- Hydration Breaks: Every 15–20 minutes. Drinking water must be easily available.
- Shaded Areas: Used wherever possible.
- Supervision: Physical Education teachers must monitor students for signs of heat stress such as dizziness, fatigue, or nausea.
- Reduced Intensity: Activities should be light and short.
Schools should offer alternatives like indoor games, light stretching, creative arts, and quizzes in well-ventilated spaces.
Health and Safety Measures:
Hydration:
- Ensure a regular supply of clean, cool drinking water.
- Water coolers must be functional and clean.
- Students must carry personal water bottles and refill often.
- Teachers should remind students to drink water frequently.
- A 10-minute hydration break should follow every class.
Ventilation and Cooling:
- Classrooms must be well-ventilated; all fans should be operational.
- School buses should have additional small fans and be parked in shaded areas.
- Use curtains or blinds to block sunlight.
- Air coolers may be used in sick rooms and common spaces if possible.
First Aid and Medical Preparedness:
- First aid kits must include medicines for heat-related illnesses like ORS.
- A trained staff member should handle minor medical cases.
- Emergency evacuation plans must be in place, with contact details of parents and medical services readily available.
Awareness and Communication:
- Teachers should inform students about heatstroke and dehydration.
- Posters and notices should share safety tips.
- Parents must be informed about revised school timings and precautions.
Precautions for Afternoon Stormy Winds:
- Remove or secure lightweight outdoor items and temporary structures.
- All doors and windows must be latched before dispersal.
- Trees should be inspected for weak branches and pruned as needed.
Dispersal and Transport:
- Dispersal should be quick and orderly.
- Parents should collect children without delay.
- If there are delays, children should be kept indoors under supervision.
General Instructions:
- Schools must follow local weather forecasts from the IMD.
- School heads may adjust plans in consultation with the Chief Education Officer, based on local needs.
- CEOs must ensure compliance and report any issues to the Directorate.
DSEK added that these measures are temporary and will be reviewed as weather conditions change.
