Heatwave in India: Education Ministry issues guidelines for schools to combat ill-effects

NEW DELHI: As the mercury soars across the country, the Ministry of Education issued guidelines to be followed by schools to combat ill-effects of the heatwave. The education ministry’s guidelines include precautions regarding school timings and daily routine; transportation; hydration; food and meals; comfortable classroom; uniform; first-aid; exam centres etc. It also listed down some do’s and don’ts for students as well as some measures for residential schools.

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Ministry of Education’s guidelines

The ministry of education issued precautions regarding each aspect and asked schools to take the following measures:

Modification in School timings and daily routine

• School hours may start early and get over before noon. Timing may be from 7.00 AM onwards.
• Number of school hours per day may be reduced.
• Sports/other outdoor activities appropriately adjusted in the early morning.
• School assembly should be conducted in covered area or in classrooms with reduced timing.

Transportation

• School bus/van should not be over-crowded
• Drinking water and first aid kit should be available in the bus/van.
• Students coming to school on foot/bicycle should be advised to keep their head covered.
• Parents should be sensitised to pick-up the students themselves, to the extent possible
• School bus/van may be parked in a shaded area.

Hydration

• Students may be advised to carry their own water bottles, caps and umbrellas
• School should ensure availability of sufficient potable water
• Water cooler/earthen pots (pitchers) may be used for providing cold water.
• In every period, teacher should remind students to sip water from their water bottles.
• While going back home, schools must ensure that students are carrying water in their bottles.
• Schools should keep the washrooms hygienic and clean

Food and Meals

• Heat can spoil food therefore hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN must be served hot and fresh.
• Children carrying tiffins may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly.
• Canteens in schools should ensure that fresh and healthy food is served.
• Children may be advised to have light food during lunch/tiffin.

Comfortable classroom

• School should ensure that all fans are functional and that all classrooms are properly ventilated.
• Availability of alternate power back up may be arranged, if possible.
• Curtains/blinds/newspaper, etc. may be used to stop the sunlight entering directly into the classroom.
• If any local traditional practices are being followed by the school to keep the surroundings cool, they may be continued.

Uniform

• Students may be allowed to wear loose and light coloured cotton material dress.
• Schools may relax norms regarding uniform such as neck ties.
• Canvas shoes may be allowed instead of leather shoes.
• Students may be advised to preferably wear full-sleeve shirt.

First-Aid facilities

• Sachets of ORS solution, or salt and sugar solution to treat mild heat-stroke should be readily available in the schools.
• Teaching and non-teaching staff should be trained to provide first aid to students in case of mild heat-stroke
• Schools must ensure quick access to nearest hospital/clinic/doctor/nurse, etc. in case of heatstroke.
• Essential medical kits should be available in school.

Do’s and Don’ts for students

Do’s& Don’ts regarding heat wave should be displayed at prominent places in the school. These may include the following:-

Do’s:

• Drink sufficient water- even if not thirsty
• Use ORS (Oral Rehydration solution), homemade drink like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, butter milk, etc. to keep yourself hydrated.
• Wear lightweight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes.
• Cover your head by using cloth, hat or umbrella, etc.
• Stay indoor as much as possible
• If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately

Don’ts:

• Do not go outside on an empty stomach or after consuming heavy food
• Avoid going out in the sun, especially in the afternoon if not required
• Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon
• Do not go outside barefoot
• Do not eat junk/stale/spicy food

Exam Centres:

• Children may be allowed to bring their own transparent water bottle in the examination hall.
• Examination centres should ensure availability of potable drinking water which is easily accessible to the candidates at the centres.
• Examination Centres should ensure that the candidates are promptly supplied water when asked for at their seats in the examination hall
• Examination halls may be provided with fans.
• Students waiting area at the examination centre may be in a shaded/covered area with provision of water.
• Linkage of examination centres should be made with local health worker and medical centres for any emergency.

Residential Schools

• Essential medicines for common ailments related with summer season should be available with Staff Nurse.
• Students may be made aware regarding prevention of heat stroke.
• Windows in the dormitories should be provided with curtains.
• Lemon, butter milk& seasonal fruits with high water content should be included in the diet.
• Spicy food should be avoided.
• Continuous availability of water and electricity should be ensured in classrooms, hostels and dining hall.
• Sports and games activities should be conducted in the evening.