As temperatures continue to rise across the province, the School Education Department of Punjab has issued an urgent advisory for all public and private schools. This directive comes in response to the intensifying heatwave and is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff members.
With climate conditions becoming more severe, this advisory outlines a comprehensive set of measures to help protect children during school hours and minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The advisory issued by the SED outlines several mandatory precautions to be implemented immediately. These include hydration, improved ventilation, limiting exposure to heat, and first aid readiness.
Schools must ensure the availability of clean and cold drinking water in every classroom
Students should be encouraged to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily
Classes should be conducted in well-ventilated rooms with proper airflow using fans or air coolers
All outdoor activities during peak heat hours must be avoided
Students should remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day
Schools must conduct awareness sessions about heatstroke symptoms and prevention
First-aid kits must be readily available
School staff should be trained to handle heat-related emergencies
The recent spike in temperatures across Punjab has increased the risk of heat-related health issues such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their lower heat tolerance and activity levels during school.
The advisory is intended to proactively protect students by reducing exposure to extreme heat and equipping schools with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle emergencies.
The School Education Department has directed all schools to adopt the following preventive strategies.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Drinking Water | Must be clean, cool, and accessible in each classroom |
Hydration Routine | Students should drink eight to ten glasses daily |
Scheduled Water Breaks | Recommended at regular intervals during school hours |
Classrooms should be airy and allow proper ventilation
Use of ceiling fans, pedestal fans, or air coolers is essential
Closed and poorly ventilated rooms should not be used for any academic activity
Assemblies, sports, and physical education classes should not be conducted during peak heat hours
Students should stay indoors between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon
Schools must organize awareness sessions for both students and staff to educate them about:
The symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
How to prevent heat-related illnesses
What actions to take during a heat emergency
Schools are required to maintain updated first-aid kits
Designated staff members should be trained in basic emergency response
Emergency contact numbers must be displayed prominently
The advisory also encourages parents to follow safety guidelines and prepare their children accordingly.
Dress children in light-colored cotton clothing
Send children with a personal water bottle every day
Advise them to use caps or umbrellas while traveling to and from school
Encourage the consumption of fruits and light snacks instead of heavy meals
School staff play a vital role in implementing and monitoring these safety measures. Their responsibilities include:
Encouraging regular water intake among students
Keeping students indoors during extreme heat
Monitoring for early signs of heat-related illness
Ensuring immediate access to medical help if required
Category | Action Required |
---|---|
Water Supply | Provide clean and cold water in classrooms |
Hydration Monitoring | Encourage students to stay hydrated |
Classroom Setup | Ensure proper ventilation and airflow |
Outdoor Restriction | Ban all outdoor activities during peak heat |
Health Awareness | Conduct sessions on heatstroke and prevention |
Emergency Preparedness | Keep first-aid kits and trained staff available |
With climate change leading to more frequent heatwaves, schools must prepare for long-term adaptation. Some suggested actions include:
Planting trees around school buildings to provide shade
Installing solar-powered fans or air-cooling systems
Introducing permanent educational programs on climate safety
The advisory from the School Education Department is a timely and necessary step toward safeguarding students during this period of extreme heat. By following these detailed guidelines, schools can create a safer environment for learning even under challenging weather conditions.
Strict implementation of these measures by both government and private institutions will play a crucial role in preventing heat-related incidents and promoting student health and safety in Punjab.