Senate Bill 1248: Extreme Weather Guidelines
Senate Bill 1248 led the CDE to initiate the writing of these guidelines. They include best-practice considerations related to extreme environmental conditions that may impact pupil safety during physical activities during extreme weather.Guidelines for Local Educational Agencies on Developing Weather Safety Protocols Pursuant to California Education Code 33355
Legal Notification: Pursuant to Education Code Section 33355(a)(1), the California Department of Education has developed these Guidelines to assist local educational agencies in their development of weather protocols for extreme weather conditions. The protocols developed by local educational agencies pursuant to Education Code section 33355(b)(2) shall, in part, incorporate the Guidelines compiled by the California Department of Education.
Authority
California Education Code (EC) 33355 (added by Stats. 2024 [Senate Bill 1248] eff. January 1, 2025) requires, in part, that on or before January 1, 2026, the California Department of Education (CDE), in consultation with relevant stakeholders and experts, compile and post “standardized guidelines specifying temperature thresholds or index ratings that trigger modifications to pupil physical activities during extreme weather conditions. The standardized guidelines shall consider relevant factors, including but not limited to, pupil ages, harmful duration of exposure to extreme weather conditions, overall pupil safety, and available mitigation measures.” (EC 33355(a)(1 ).
EC 33355(b) requires, in part, that: “(1) On or before July 1, 2026, each local educational agency [LEA] shall develop, adopt, and implement weather protocols for extreme weather conditions; (2) The weather protocols shall incorporate the standardized guidelines compiled by the [CDE] pursuant to subdivision (a) [of EC 33355] and shall detail the specific measures to be taken during extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
- Clear criteria for determining when weather conditions are considered extreme weather conditions and warrant modification or cessation of outdoor physical activities.
- Procedures for monitoring weather forecasts and alerts to anticipate extreme weather conditions.
- Protocols for communicating with staff, pupils, and parents or guardians regarding changes to outdoor activities due to extreme weather conditions.
- Designation of indoor alternative activities that can be safely conducted during extreme weather conditions.
- Training for staff members on recognizing signs of weather-related distress in pupils and appropriate response measures.
- Coordination with relevant local agencies and experts to ensure timely access to weather-related information and resources.”
Purpose of These Guidelines
These guidelines aim to reflect the statutory requirements of EC 33355 and include recommendations from the California Department of Public Health and CalHeatScore related to extreme heat, air quality, precipitation, flooding, and other hazardous environmental conditions that may impact pupil safety during physical activities during extreme weather.
Temperature Thresholds or Index Ratings That Trigger Modifications to Pupil Physical Activities During Extreme Weather Conditions
Please see The California Department of Public Health’s Heat Risk Grid
(PDF) set forth below.
CDPH Heat Risk Grid
| Value | Risk | What does this mean? | Who/What is at risk? | What actions can be taken? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 (Green) |
Little to None | This level of heat poses little to no risk from expected heat | No elevated risk | No preventative actions necessary |
| 1 (Yellow) | Minor | Heat of this type is tolerated by most; however, there is a minor risk for extremely heat- sensitive groups* to experience negative heat- related health effects | Primarily those who are extremely sensitive to heat,* especially when outdoors without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration | Increase hydration Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest Open windows at night and use fans |
| 2 (Orange) | Moderate | Heat of this type is tolerated by many; however, there is a moderate risk for members of heat- sensitive groups* to experience negative heat- related health effects, including heat illness Some risk for the general population who are exposed to the sun for longer periods of time Living spaces without air conditioning can become uncomfortable during the afternoon and evening, but fans and leaving windows open at night will help |
Primarily heat-sensitive or heat-vulnerable groups,* especially those without effective cooling or hydration Those not acclimatized to this level of heat (i.e., visitors) Otherwise healthy individuals exposed to longer duration heat, without effective cooling or hydration, such as in the sun at an outdoor venue Some transportation and utilities sectors Some health systems will see increased demand, with increases in emergency room visits |
Reduce time in the sun during the warmest part of the day Stay hydrated Stay in a cool place during the heat of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Move outdoor activities to cooler times of the day For those without air conditioning, use fans to keep air moving and open windows at night to bring cooler air inside buildings |
| 3 (Red) | Major | Heat of this type represents a major risk to all individuals who are 1) exposed to the sun and active or 2) are in a heat-sensitive group Dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or adequate cooling Living spaces without air conditioning can become deadly during the afternoon and evening. Fans and open windows will not be as effective. Poor air quality is possible Power interruptions may occur
|
Much of the population, especially anyone without effective cooling or hydration Those exposed to the heat/sun at outdoor venues Health systems likely to see increased demand with significant increases in emergency room visits Most transportation and utilities sectors |
Cancel outdoor activities during the heat of the day** (usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and move activities to the coolest parts of the day Stay hydrated Stay in a cool place especially during the heat of the day and evening If you have access to air conditioning, use it, or find a location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower risk. Fans may not be adequate. |
| 4 (Magenta) | Extreme | This is a rare level of heat leading to an extreme risk for the entire population Very dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or adequate cooling This is a multi-day excessive heat event. A prolonged period of heat is dangerous for everyone not prepared Poor air quality is likely Power outages are increasingly likely as electrical demands may reach critical levels
|
Entire population exposed to the heat is at risk For people without effective cooling, especially heat-sensitive groups, this level of heat can be deadly Health systems highly likely to see increased demand with significant increases in emergency room visits Most transportation and utilities sectors |
Cancel outdoor activities** Stay hydrated Stay in a cool place, including overnight If you have access to air conditioning, use it, or find a location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower risk. Fans will not be adequate. Check on your neighbors |
*Populations at higher risk of heat-related health impacts include older adults, young children, unhoused residents, those with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, those exercising or doing strenuous activities outdoors during the heat of the day, pregnant individuals, those living in low-income communities, and more.
**For Extreme (Magenta/4) and Major (Red/3) risk levels, CDPH recommends more caution and therefore guides canceling outdoor activities based on these scenarios.
LEA Protocol Requirements
As referenced, EC 33355(b)(1) requires that LEAs, on or before July 1, 2026, “develop, adopt, and implement weather protocols for extreme weather conditions”, and EC 33355(b)(2) requires that the weather protocols “incorporate the standardized [CDE guidelines and] detail the specific measures to be taken during extreme weather conditions, including but not limited to, all of the following:
- Clear criteria for determining when weather conditions are considered extreme weather conditions and warrant modification or cessation of outdoor physical activities.
- Procedures for monitoring weather forecasts and alerts to anticipate extreme weather conditions.
- Protocols for communicating with staff, pupils, and parents or guardians regarding changes to outdoor activities due to extreme weather conditions.
- Designation of indoor alternative activities that can be safely conducted during extreme weather conditions.
- Training for staff members on recognizing signs of weather-related distress in pupils and appropriate response measures.
- Coordination with relevant local agencies and experts to ensure timely access to weather-related information and resources.”
EC 33355(b)(3) requires, “The weather protocols shall be annually reviewed, evaluated, and, if necessary, updated to incorporate best practices and address any emerging concerns or challenges, and to reflect changes in weather patterns, advances in safety practices, and feedback from stakeholders.”
Recommended Best Practices for LEA Consideration1
In developing the weather protocols, LEAs may wish to consider:
- Including air quality conditions when determining whether outdoor physical activity should be modified.
- Adopting Air Quality Index (AQI) thresholds for reducing or discontinuing strenuous outdoor activities.
- Establishing procedures for relocating activities indoors during periods of poor air quality or wildfire smoke.
- Identifying and maintaining adequate mitigation resources, such as shade structures, hydration stations, and indoor cooling areas.
- Providing equitable access to mitigation measures across school sites within the LEA.
- Planning for flexible scheduling to accommodate weather variability.
Suggested Structure for Local Weather Protocols for Extreme Weather Conditions
- Purpose and Scope
- Definitions of Extreme Weather Conditions
- Weather and Air Quality Monitoring Procedures
- Decision-Making Responsibilities and Timelines
- Criteria for Modifying or Canceling Outdoor Activities
- Indoor and Alternative Activity Plans
- Communication Protocols
- Mitigation Measures and Site Preparedness
- Staff Training Requirements
- Annual Review and Update Process
Resources
- California Department of Public Health: Extreme Heat School Guidance
- National Weather Service: HeatRisk Tool
- CalHeatScore Tool
- California Interscholastic Federation: Heat Illness and Acclimatization Guidelines
(PDF)
- Local Air Quality Management District Resources
- County Public Health Departments