Recess and Physical Activity Weather Safety Protocols

weather safety protocols

To ensure student safety during outdoor activities such as recess, physical education (PE), and field trips by defining consistent, health-informed procedures in response to weather conditions. These regulations implement the provisions of FFA(LOCAL) concerning weather safety protocols for outdoor student activity. 

Heat Index Guidelines

Thresholds

  • No outdoor recess or extended outdoor activity when the heat index is 104°F or greater.
  • Heat index will be determined using Perry Weather monitoring tools provided to each campus.
green

HEAT INDEX BELOW 98°

OUTSIDE RECESS

  • Students can comfortably play outside for 30 minutes
  • Provide waters, breaks, and shade.

 

 

yellow

HEAT INDEX 90° - 98°
CAUTION AT RECESS

  • Monitor conditions during 30-minute recess
  • Students should be allowed water before, during and after recess
  • Play in shaded area if available
orange

HEAT INDEX 99 - 103°
LIMITED RECESS

  • Limit activity to 20 minutes or less
  • Students should be allowed water before, during and after recess
  • Consider actual temperature
  • Allow for cool down period
red

HEAT INDEX 104° OR ABOVE
DANGER

  • No outdoor play
  • all students should remain inside

Campus Administrators make the final decision for outside recess and are responsible for communicating to the teacher each day.  Data indicates ozone concentrations typically occur after recess/end of school day and should not be the main factor deciding outdoor play.  Always consider individual medical plans of students. CFBISD policy states elementary students shall participate in daily unstructured recess.

Staff Responsibilities

  • All weather data will be obtained from Perry Weather: https://perryweather.com/ * Select closest weather station * Select hourly forecast. 8am – 11am and 11am – 3pm
  • Because morning temperatures are typically lower than afternoon temperatures, two heat index levels should be determined each day when deciding outdoor activity safety for students.

Hydration and Shade

  • Students must be given the opportunity to hydrate before and during any outdoor activity.
  • Access to water shall not be withheld as a disciplinary measure.
  • Shaded areas should be prioritized when outdoor activities are permissible.

Cold Weather Guidelines

Thresholds

  • No outdoor recess or PE when the temperature or wind chill is 33°F or below.
cold red

WIND CHILL 33° OR BELOW
DANGER

  • No outdoor play
  • All students should remain inside
yellow cold

WIND CHILL 34° - 40°
CAUTION AT RECESS

  • Monitor conditions during 20-30 minute recess
  • Students should be dressed appropriately for weather
  • Allow for water and breaks
green cold

WIND CHILL 41° OR ABOVE
OUTSIDE RECESS

  • Students can comfortably play outside for 30 minutes
  • Allow for water and breaks

Campus Administrators make the final decision for outside recess and are responsible for communicating to the teacher each day.  Data indicates ozone concentrations typically occur after recess/end of school day and should not be the main factor deciding outdoor play.  Always consider individual medical plans of students. CFBISD policy states elementary students shall participate in daily unstructured recess.

Clothing and Equity

  • If a student does not have appropriate warm clothing, staff should:
    • Allow the student to remain indoors, or
    • Contact the campus counselor or nurse to access clothing support services.

Staff Responsibilities

  • Campus administrators and/or nurses shall check temperatures and wind chill factors using Perry Weather and communicate advisories accordingly.

Air Quality Guidelines

Monitoring

  • Air Quality Index (AQI) levels shall be reviewed when:
    • Ozone alerts are issued.
    • The AQI exceeds 100 (Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups).

Modifications

  • Modify outdoor activities for students with respiratory or other health sensitivities.
  • Consider moving activities indoors or reducing duration when AQI is elevated.

Communications and Documentation

  • All weather-related advisories shall be documented by the campus nurse or administrator.
  • Patterns of cancellations or modifications shall be reported quarterly to the SHAC by the Student Services department.

Review and Revision

  • These regulations shall be reviewed annually in coordination with SHAC and updated as needed.
  • Changes must align with guidance from medical advisors and relevant state agencies (e.g., TEA, Texas Department of State Health Services).