District Status: Schools closed remainder of school year; FWCS Offices closed 3/23-4/20 FWCS - Health Services Weather Precautions

FWCS - Health Services Weather Precautions
Weather in Northeast Indiana can change quickly and can be extreme. Fort Wayne Community Schools strives to keep students and staff in a safe, comfortable environment throughout the year. In the winter, it is important to ensure students are dressed properly for cold weather conditions. In the summer, we make accommodations as necessary to keep students cool. If you have questions or concerns about the temperature in your child’s building, please contact the school office.

Cold Weather Precautions

Frostbite

When the skin or other tissue is exposed to cold temperatures, frostbite may occur. Exposure to extreme cold and wind, for a long period of time, increases the risk of cold injuries and frostbite.

What are the signs of frostbite?

Cold Response
Mild Frostbite
Superficial Frostbite
Deep Frostbite
Sensation
Painful
May have sensation
Numb
Numb
Feels
Normal
Normal
Soft
Hard
Color
Red
White
White
White

Prevention is the key.

  • Wear warm multilayered, loose fitting dry clothes
  • Wear a hat and gloves
  • Avoid high, windy areas
  • Stay warm through activities
  • If you get wet, dry off quickly and change clothes

What is the treatment for frostbite?

  • Move person to a warmer area
  • Remove wet clothing and constricting jewelry
  • Re-warm area in warm -104° (never hot) water, DO NOT RUB the area. Use warm cloths to involved areas (nose, ears) for 20 minutes.
  • Apply dry, sterile dressing to frostbitten areas. Wrap each finger and toe separately.

Contact your healthcare provider for further treatment.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a decrease in the core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and brain functions are impaired.

Conditions Leading to Hypothermia

  • Cold temperatures
  • Improper clothing and/or wet clothing and equipment
  • Fatigue, exhaustion
  • Dehydration and/or poor food intake
  • Alcohol intake -causes dilation of blood vessels leading to increased heat loss

What are the signs of hypothermia?

  • Watch for changes and slowing of brain function;- fumbling around for things, falling or unsteady, not able to find the right words.
  • Uncontrollable shivering
  • Slurred speech
  • Irrational behavior
  • Pale skin and decreased pulse rate

Treatment

  • Reduce heat loss by adding layers of dry clothing and find shelter
  • Call emergency help if needed
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco/nicotine

Warm Weather Precautions

Sun Safety

Overexposure to the sun can result in serious long term health problems. The National Safety Council reports that one in five Americans develop skin cancer. Do you know the risk factors? Do you understand how to protect yourself and your child year-round? According to the Sun Safety Alliance, melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) kills one person every hour. Be prepared before you expose yourself or your child to the sun. Protect yourself and your child. Ask your school nurse for further information.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion may happen if the body is not able to cool itself through sweating. Act immediately if the following symptoms occur: headache, dizziness, weakness, confusion or inability to think straight, upset stomach, vomiting, fainting or passing out and hot red sweaty skin, and a fever less than 104 F. Call 911 if fever over 104F, loss of consciousness or seizures occur. Do not leave the person alone. Heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke and possible death.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 for help immediately. The symptoms may include: dry, pale skin with no sweating, temperature over 103 F, headache, confusion, seizures, unconsciousness. Begin assistance at once. Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Clear the area of objects if the person is having seizures. Lay the person on his or her side if nausea or upset stomach. Remove any heavy clothing. Cool the person’s body with a cool mist of water or wiping the victim with a wet cloth or covering him or her with a wet sheet. Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area. Stay with the victim.

Clean Air Force

For information about air quality, conditions and forecasts and to become better informed about the ozone warnings in this community visit City Link.

Summer Sports

How does the body react to rising temperatures and increased physical activity? One needs to know how to protect against heat related illness and keep the body cool. Understand how to prevent injuries.

  • Acclimatize to heat gradually
  • Pay attention to the humidity index
  • Take regular breaks
  • Water, water, water
  • Measure water loss and replenish fluids
  • Monitor how you feel frequently
  • Know your vulnerabilities (poor condition, over weight, physical illness, medications)
  • Be alert to the problem