Indian Meteorological Department on May 11 forecasted heat wave conditions till May 16 in many parts of Rajasthan and in isolated pockets in Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Heat waves could lead to moderate health concern for vulnerable people e.g. infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases over heat wave affected areas.
IMD said that heat wave conditions were observed on May 10 at most parts of West Rajasthan and at isolated pockets over West Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Education on May 11 issued guidelines regarding food, ventilation in classrooms and transport arrangements that are to be observed by schools to combat the ill-effects of the heat-wave.
Government in the guidelines said that schools should start early at 7.00 AM and get over before noon. “Number of school hours per day may be reduced. Sports/other outdoor activities which expose students directly to the sunlight may be appropriately adjusted in the early morning,” an official statement said.
It reminded schools to conduct school assembly in covered areas or in classrooms with reduced timing.
Guidelines with respect to transporting children to school demands school buses to not carry students over their seating capacity. Drinking water and a first aid kit should be available in the bus or van. Students coming to school on foot/bicycle should be advised to keep their head covered, the guidelines said.
Besides advising students to carry their own water bottles, caps and umbrellas, schools should ensure availability of sufficient potable water at multiple places.
In every period, teachers should remind students to sip water from their water bottles and ensure that students are carrying water in their bottles on their return to homes.
PM POSHAN:
Hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN can get spoiled due to heat. Government instructed that meals must therefore be served hot and fresh. The teacher may check the food before serving.
“Children carrying tiffin may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly…Children may be advised to have light food during lunch/tiffin,” the guidelines stated.
Comfortable classroom & Loose clothes
Schools should ensure that all fans are functional and that all classrooms are properly ventilated. Curtains/blinds/newspaper, etc. may be used to stop the sunlight entering directly into the classroom. Students may be allowed to wear loose and light coloured cotton material dress. Schools may relax norms regarding uniforms such as neckties. Canvas shoes may be allowed instead of leather shoes. Students may be advised to preferably wear a full-sleeve shirt.
Lemon, butter milk & seasonal fruits with high water content should be included in the diet of residential schools. Spicy food should be avoided.
First-Aid facilities, an Imperative
Sachets of ORS solution, or salt, sugar solution and essential medical kits 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.
Do’s& Don’ts regarding heat waves should be displayed at prominent places in the school. These may include the following:-
Government also added that the above mentioned stipulations also apply to exam centres.
