Cold, Heat, & Pollen Advisory Guidelines

Cold and heat weather advisories are crucial for school activities like recess and physical education as they help ensure the safety and well-being of students by preventing exposure to extreme temperatures. Schools and parents should carefully review the recommended guidelines below to make informed decisions, ensuring that outdoor activities are conducted in a way that protects children from weather-related risks.

SUGGESTED Cold/Winter Advisory Guidelines for Outdoor Activities

Please follow the guidelines below for physical education classes and school recess.
Each school should determine the criteria for such a decision and who will make the judgment call at the local school. The decision-making process may vary from grade to grade.

Conditions that are to be considered:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Heat Index
• Ages of students
• Length of time outside
• The adequacy of the clothing being worn

Recess and Physical Activity/Physical Education Classes

1. When properly clothed, elementary-aged students can participate outdoors in most weather conditions. Increased caution, including wind chill, should be displayed when temperatures fall below 40 degrees.
2. Students will remain indoors when the temperature and wind chill fall below 35 degrees.
3. Each year, students and parents should be reminded of the school's cold weather guidelines, along with reminders about dressing appropriately for weather conditions,
4. Temperature considerations and suggested dress:

5. Schools should strive to accommodate reasonable requests from parents or guardians to allow students to stay indoors. Requests based on health conditions should be honored; specifically, children with asthma may require special accommodation during cold weather. The school should collaborate with parents to plan when a child cannot participate in outdoor activities.

SUGGESTED Heat Advisory Guidelines When Local Temperatures Exceed 90 Degrees

Atlanta Public Schools promote healthy student activities that include opportunities for outdoor physical activity. Consistent with this commitment, we have compiled guidelines for decision-making when local weather conditions may compromise the health and safety of our students and staff.  The guidelines below, provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics, aim to offer preventive strategies that can limit or mitigate certain physical education and outdoor activities before, during, and after school.

Each school should determine the criteria for such a decision and who will make the judgment call at the local school. The decision-making process may vary from grade to grade. To view local heat/cold weather advisories, please visit Atlanta Heat/Weather Maps

Conditions to consider 

• Temperature
• Humidity 
• Heat Index 
• Age of students 
• Length of time outside 
• Is the area being used shaded? 

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Confusion
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or abdominal cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Recess and Physical Activity Guidelines

1. Temperatures may feel hotter than the current degrees indicate. When the temperature reaches 95 degrees or above, principals should reconsider outside student recess, physical education classes, and field trips and provide for inside physical activity in an air-conditioned environment. 
2. Teachers should give students a water break before and after recess. They should also monitor students and take action if one shows signs of heat exhaustion or overheating. Students should be well-hydrated before going outside and have access to drinking water while they are outside. In activities lasting longer than 30 minutes, incorporate periodic water breaks at approximately 10-minute intervals or as needed.
3. Teachers should be aware of students' medical conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, allergies, and medications they are taking, which may increase their risk of heat-related issues. These conditions may be intensified in hot weather.
• The Air Quality Index should also be considered when deciding on outdoor activity. Please click the following link for Local Air Quality Conditions: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&zipcode=30303&submit=Go.

Physical Education Classes 

1. When the heat index reaches the 90s, physical education classes should be held indoors if possible. Remember, temperatures may feel hotter than the current degrees indicate.
2. Students should be allowed frequent water breaks during physical activity and have access to water as needed.
3. Teachers should be aware of students' medical conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, allergies, and medications they are taking, which may increase their risk of heat-related issues. These conditions may be intensified in hot weather.

During the school year, on days when the temperature exceeds 95 degrees, schools should be on alert for a Heat Advisory. Please see the chart below for activity limitations and recommendations.

SUGGESTED Pollen Advisory Guidelines During High Pollen Count Days

Atlanta Public Schools is committed to healthy learning environments, which include safe access to outdoor physical activity. To help protect students and staff with environmental allergies or asthma, we’ve developed guidelines for adjusting activities when local pollen levels may impact health. These recommendations, based on medical and educational sources, support students with known sensitivities.

Each school should determine its own criteria and designate who will make the decisions. Responses may vary by age group, school structure, and local conditions.

Pollen Count Advisories

Pollen count advisories are issued daily. During high pollen seasons—spring (tree), summer/fall (grass/weed)—schools should consider modifying outdoor activities to reduce exposure and prevent allergies and asthma flare-ups.

Check daily pollen counts: Atlanta Pollen Counts.

Recess and Physical Education (PE) Guidelines During High Pollen Days

• Indoor Alternatives: Use indoor spaces on high pollen, extreme heat, or poor air quality days.
• Protect Sensitive Students: Allow students with allergies/asthma to remain indoors. Staff should know who these students are and ensure inhalers or EpiPens are accessible.
• Hydration & Medications: Encourage students to drink water and take prescribed medications as needed.
• Activity Timing: Schedule outdoor activities for the afternoon, when pollen counts are typically lower.
• Post-Activity Hygiene: Have students wash their hands after participating in outdoor activities.
• Family Notification: Alert families in advance about high pollen days so they can prepare students with gear (e.g., masks, sunglasses, hats) or medication.
• Symptom Monitoring: Watch for symptoms and send students to the nurse if needed. Offer breaks as necessary.

Air Quality & Environmental Tips

• Keep classroom windows closed on high-pollen days.
• Maintain clean air filters in HVAC units.
• Avoid field trips to grassy/wooded areas during peak pollen times without first reviewing student health plans.

Decision-Making Considerations

• Local pollen levels (tree, grass, weed)
• Type/severity of student allergies or asthma
• Air quality and time of day (mornings = higher pollen)
• Duration of outdoor time and level of physical activity
• Student medical history (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema)
• Shading and ventilation of outdoor spaces

Common Allergy Symptoms in Children

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or runny nose
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Itchy throat, ears, or skin
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Hives or eczema flare-ups
• Headache or fatigue

Reminder:

Ensure all students have current Allergy and Asthma Action Plans. Staff should be trained in identifying allergic reactions, using EpiPens, and responding to asthma symptoms. Coordination among school nurses, teachers, coaches, and families is key.

Additional Resources:

• Allergy & Asthma Network – School Guidelines: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies-and-asthma-at-school/managing-allergies-in-schools-a-guide-for-staff
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Seasonal Allergies: https://www.choa.org/parent-resources/allergy/managing-seasonal-allergies-in-kids
• Atlanta Allergy – Pollen Count Forecast: https://www.atlantaallergy.com/pollen