Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals:

Excessive Heat Wave in California

As you know, California is experiencing a record heat wave that is expected to intensify through the holiday weekend and extend through Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Governor Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency to temporarily increase energy production and reduce demand. The California Independent System Operator has called a Flex Alert for today, September 1, asking Californians to reduce their electricity consumption between 4 and 9 p.m. to save power and reduce the risk of power outages.

We would like to use this opportunity to remind educators, students, and families to stay safe—and to ensure that those most vulnerable to the heat take extra precautions.

Local educational agencies (LEAs) are encouraged to evaluate the continuation of outdoor activities such as physical education and sports given the extreme heat conditions. LEAs should review their procedures and practices for measures schools should take in extreme temperature emergency conditions. Please monitor students and staff, take extra care when performing outside activities, and remind individuals to stay hydrated.

Below you will find resources to help you manage the heat in your area:

• The California Department of Education (CDE) Excessive Heat web page: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ep/extremeheat.asp
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness web page: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
• The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services 2022 Cooling Centers web page: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cooling-centers/
• The California Interscholastic Federation Heat Illness web page: https://cifstate.org/sports-medicine/heat_illness/index

During Flex Alerts, it’s recommended that consumers voluntarily conserve electricity when there’s an anticipated supply shortage. Using less energy during a Flex Alert reduces the likelihood of rotating power outages. These alerts are issued a day in advance so consumers can prepare by shifting energy use from afternoon to morning. For more tips on conserving energy, visit the Flex Alert Ways to Save Energy web page at https://www.flexalert.org/save-energy.

Sincerely,

Signed by

Abel Guillen
Deputy Superintendent
Operations & Administration Branch