Peoria Unified heat advisory precautions are designed to protect students and staff from heat-related illnesses. To determine if adjustments need to be made to outdoor activities, athletics or the school day, Peoria Unified uses heat advisory guidelines.

To better assess safety during high temperatures, the district uses the Heat Index Chart provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). This chart accurately reflects the relationship between temperature and relative humidity, offering a clearer picture of how heat and humidity affect the body’s ability to cool itself.

Peoria Unified administrators review the heat index daily in August and September. Should the Heat Index reach a level of danger or extreme danger, all Peoria Unified schools will observe a rainy day schedule and cease outdoor activity and monitor the temperature as the day progresses and will make adjustments as needed. If the temperature reaches the threshold for extreme caution or caution, site administrators will use their discretion when calling for a rainy day schedule. During excessive heat days, parents are not typically notified as it may occur frequently in the early fall or late spring.

School nurses will be consulted regarding any student with a medical condition that requires limited exposure to heat.

If a student or employee is experiencing any heat-related illness, the school nurse will be contacted immediately.

Peoria Unified employees, coaches and trainers have specific guidelines they follow to prevent heat-related illness, which are outlined in the student and athletic handbooks.

To help prevent heat-related illness, be sure your child is sent to school with a refillable water bottle and educate them on signs of heat exhaustion:

• Cramps
• Muscle spasms
• Heavy sweating
• Moist, clammy skin
• Fainting or vomiting
• Fever greater than 102 degrees
• Dilated pupils
• Headache
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Students experiencing any of the symptoms above should alert an employee immediately to get proper medical attention.