Heat Relief: More Shade For CA Schools and Protecting Children From Extreme Heat

California Schools to Get More Shade and Nature to Protect Kids From Extreme Heat

SACRAMENTO — More shade is coming to California schools. Gov. Gavin Newsom July 13 announced CAL FIRE is providing $47 million in grants to help schools convert asphalt to green spaces and plant trees and other vegetation — adding cooler spaces essential to protecting children from dangerous extreme heat.

California’s youth are often disproportionately impacted by extreme heat at schools and these investments boost nature-based designs on school campuses to promote children’s safe physical activity, mental health, and overall well being.

This is the first round of California’s $117 million green schoolyard grant program, which helps schools convert pavement to green spaces, create drought-tolerant natural areas on school grounds, and other activities to help children connect to nature. The program is part of the Governor’s Extreme Heat Action Plan, which is backed by the $52.3 billion California Climate Commitment budget.

This first round of awards includes six implementation projects and nine planning projects on 100 schoolyards statewide. Examples of awards include implementation projects in some of the state’s largest school districts: Los Angeles and San Francisco Unified. These projects will engage students and staff to design and implement park-like spaces with shade trees and inviting outdoor spaces for learning, exploration, and play, as well as improve the overall environment. 

For a full list of awarded projects in this first round, visit the project list here. 

Details: UC&F website.

Don’t Let Your Children Be Hurt by Upcoming Extreme Heat

Millions of Americans will feel record high temperatures this week as a large heat wave sweeps across the southern U.S. During this time and throughout the summer months, parents, caregivers and communities must be extra careful to ensure children are protected from these extreme heat conditions. 

The White House July 12 announced new measures to protect communities from extreme heat. Learn more by reading: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Action to Protect Communities from Extreme Heat Fueled by the Climate Crisis.

Children and Pregnant People are Extra Sensitive

Compared to adults, children spend more time outdoors, running, swimming, playing games and sports that expose them to high temperatures. Their bodies’ natural defenses and abilities to regulate heat are still developing, so the consequences of extreme heat can occur quickly, last longer and be more severe. 

Like children, people who are pregnant are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exposure has been linked with low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth in the United States. Pregnant people should follow the same tips as children, listed below. 

What to Do When Temperatures Rise

Start with Prevention

• Keep children inside or out of direct sun;
• Move outdoor activities indoors or to the morning and evening instead of mid-day;
• Dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing; and
• Practice sun safety including seeking shade, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and avoiding burns.

Keep Hydrated

Children are more likely to become dehydrated than adults because they can lose fluid more quickly. Make sure children are drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after periods of time in extreme heat.

Recognize Heat Illnesses

Signs of heat illness or heat exhaustion can include:

Flushed skin, 

Dizziness, 

Headache, or fatigue; and

Weakness or muscle cramps.

Many of these symptoms can be treated at home with fluids and rest. If these symptoms are ignored, heatstroke can develop. Heatstroke symptoms include:

Hot, flushed skin; 

Rapid, strong pulse;

High fever, little to no sweating; and 

Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness. 

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional attention. Children aren’t always in tune with their bodies to know when to take breaks, so it’s vital for adults to look out for these signs.

Remember, never leave children alone in a parked car, even with open windows.