How school districts on the Central Coast are keeping their students cool during heat wave
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)- It was another hot day, and parts of Southern Monterey county reached triple-digit temps.
KION checked in with school districts in Southern Monterey County to see how they were coping with the heat.
School sites within the Gonzales Unified School District implemented heat safety practices on Tuesday.
Andrew Hernandez and his young daughter were trying to stay cool from the heat. His youngest is playing in the kiddie pool outside their yard. It's one of several ways he and his family try to beat the heat.
While his youngest enjoys their pool at home, Hernandez will even take the time to walk a cold bottle of water to school for his 8th-grade stepdaughter if she needs it.
"We have done that. It can be so hot they finish it early," said Hernandez, "we're so close that we can just give it to her if we have to."
Still, with the heat reaching beyond 100 degrees, parents like Hernandez want to make sure the school is giving every child water.
"Easy access to water like cold water," said Hernandez. "Definitely in the sun, during PE, like if they were to run a mile, it's not really needed."
During this intense heat wave, the Gonzales Unified School District tells KION it is prioritizing the health and well-being of its school community. The school district even moved PE activities indoors.
But the school district is still cautious. Its health care staff are on alert, ensuring its students, faculty, and staff doesn't pass out from the heat.
The school district set up water stations at various campuses. The district also said places like the gym and library are used as cooling centers during the day.
Gonzales High School was set to have rallies this week but had to reschedule because of the heat.
The Gonzales Unified School District also said it moved some of its benches on its campuses so that students can sit in more shaded areas while outdoors.
