NEW ORLEANS — This heat wave is here to stay and excessive amounts of time outside in temperatures this high can be fatal.
That's why some schools are putting safety measures in place to keep students safe during this heat wave, especially student athletes.
This August is set to be the hottest on record for the city of New Orleans. While kids tend to have endless amounts of energy, this heat can be dangerous for our youth.
Jamar McKneely, Director of InspireNOLA Charter Schools says heat precautions went into effect at the start of the school year.
McKneely told Eyewitness News, "Even before they go to class, they start by the water fountain to get more water before they go to class."
He went on to explain protocols in place for footballers, saying, "We're practicing later now, practice starts around 5:45pm, conditioning inside, after school we're doing hydration stations to make sure our students have water. We're giving parents information at home to make sure our students stay hydrated at night."
He says a temperature monitor is used before football practice kicks off outside, and hydration stations and extended water breaks have been implemented.
"We have limited practices were students have on their entire equipment to make sure to sustain our students energy and keep them safe."
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association sent schools a reminder of the dangerous heat, along with a list of recommendations, including weighing athletes before and after warm weather practices to assess fluid loss.
Dr. Greg Stewart from Tulane University says it is critical for schools to have an emergency action plan in place during this excessive heat wave to ensure kids are safe whilst outside.
Dr. Stewart said, "As the temperature goes up and the temperature inside the body goes up, some of the first things that can happen is cramping... they get dehydrated, overheated, the brain doesn't work right."
He says coaches need to be prepared to pull athletes from practice, or stop practice entirely, especially if kids aren't acclimatized to this heat.
"You've got to make sure that you have the ice tubs and the ice available in case you have someone who begins to show signs of heat stress," said Dr. Stewart.
Jamar says the school also cut outside time during recess, with students only allowed to spend 10 minutes outdoors, the remaining 20 minutes of recess is spent inside.
Dr. Stewart also issued a warning for those heading to red dress run this weekend. He says it's vital those planning to enjoy the celebration drink water.
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