The purpose of the guidance is to ensure the Prairie View A&M University campus community has the information and resources needed to engage in outdoor activities during extreme heat events. As a living document, this guidance will be updated as needed to provide any policy, procedure, or guidance.
Background
The National Integrated Heat Health Information System provides a repository of heat related information, resources and guidance at heat.gov.
While the preferred method of measuring the environmental temperature is to use a wet bulb globe temperature, the heat index is a viable alternative. The heat index can be used as a screening tool to determine the level of preventative measures that should be implemented.
Heat Index – or apparent temperature is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is considered along with the actual air temperature. It is important to note that, since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, that exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F. The National Weather Service uses the heat index values to issue heat alerts to the general public.
The OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is an app that can provide the current index, an hourly heat index forecast and tips for mitigating heat-related illnesses. The National Weather Service provides a Heat Index Forecast by zip code for up to five days.
The National Weather Service provides a Heat Index Chart to help decision makers determine the level of risk for heat related illness.
University Guidance
As a general guide, the Prairie View A&M University campus will use the heat index to determine the risk associated with hosting outdoor campus events. Based upon the NWS table below, the campus will cease outdoor operations and modify athletic and band operations when the Heat Index reaches 108°F or higher for two consecutive days when the City of Houston activates its Heat Emergency Plan after the heat index reaches 108°F on two consecutive days.
National Weather Service Heat Index Table
| Classification | Heat Index | Effect on the body | Heat Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caution | 80°F – 90°F | Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity | Bright Yellow |
| Extreme Caution | 90°F – 103°F | Heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity | Dark Yellow |
| Danger | 103°F – 124°F | Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity | Orange |
| Extreme Danger | 125°F or higher | Heat stroke highly likely | Red |
The university guidance also calls for heat illness mitigation steps when the heat index is in the “Caution” and “Extreme Caution” stages. The Risk Management & Safety Department will be responsible for monitoring and alerting the campus of extreme weather alerts. The campus will be alerted of any extreme weather alert via a website banner.
Campus Extreme Heat Operational Quick Reference
| Heat Index Classification | Activity Allowed (min)* Easy (work/rest) Moderate(work/rest) Strenuous(work/rest) NL = no limit |
Athletics/Band/Farm Operations | Required Heat Illness Mitigation | Additional Emergency Medical Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Events held between 11am-9pm during the summer months will escalate to the next highest-level heat index classification regarding required mitigation strategies. | ||||
| Normal Below 78 oF – 80 oF |
Easy (NL) Moderate (NL) Strenuous (30/30) |
Normal Operations | Participants encouraged to bring water. | Recommended for a group of 1,000 or more |
|
Caution |
Easy (NL) |
Normal Operations | Organizer encouraged to provide bottles of water. | Recommended for a group of 1,000 or more |
|
Extreme Caution |
Easy (NL) |
Normal Operations | Organizer required to provide hydration stations. Spot cooler, evaporative fans cold water immersion capabilities and ice recommended. | Required for a group of 1,000 or more |
|
Danger |
Events Allowed Indoors ONLY | Limited Outdoor Activity | ||
|
Extreme Danger |
INDOOR Events |
|||
*Based upon the US Army Work/Rest Times and Fluid Replacement Guide
Event Activity Examples
Easy – Art in the Park, Chess Club, Vigil, Walking to Class/Meetings (physically fit individual)
Moderate – Walking to Class/meeting (non-physically fit individual), Bounce House, Hump Day
Strenuous – Super Hump Day, Outdoor Intramural Activities, Fun Run
Campus Event Planning
- All event organizers are required to provide an Extreme Heat Contingency Plan when submitting the event for approval in PV PawLink.
- The RMS team will update and maintain a 5-day heat index forecast and review the contingency plan of any outdoor events at least 5 days prior the date of the event.
- Student Engagement will provide RMS with a listing of scheduled outdoor events by Monday of each week for the following week.
- Event organizers will be notified of the need to modify/cancel an event in PV PawLink.
- Student Engagement staff will monitor compliance with modified or canceled events.
- Student Engagement will create a comprehensive event planning guide to assist the campus community with planning events and identify contingency options.
Campus Messaging
- RMS will disseminate heat related illness campus announcements at the beginning of every summer.
- MARCOM will be asked to design and post a social media campaign regarding heat-related illnesses, mitigating factors and signs/symptoms of heat-related illness.