CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Clovis Unified worked to ensure the only heat football players faced on the field Thursday night was the competition, not scorching temperatures.
Junior Varsity football games were moved up from Friday to Thursday night or pushed later in the evening to protect students from high heat.
“We all know that not only in the evening, there are greater shade opportunities, the temperatures start to drop,” said Kelly Avants, Clovis Unified School District. “It still might be hot, but it’s not to the degree that causes those issues that would if it were in the middle of the day or earlier in the day.”
This is the second season the California Interscholastic Federation is using new guidelines to make changes to game times when it comes to heat or air quality.
The schools use a special thermometer called a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer.
It tracks temperature, wind speed, humidity, sun angle and even cloud cover.
Schools look at the reading and guidelines and then make the decision to push games back to cooler times or completely reschedule.
American Ambulance can be seen on the sidelines of games across the Valley as it works alongside the school districts.
They encourage anyone at games to seek out the standby crews or call 911 for help.
If anyone knows heat, it’s the fire department, and Fresno Fire also stays at the ready to respond if necessary, but they do encourage people to take steps to avoid needing help.
“Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. Try to stay away from caffeinated drinks or anything else,” said Josh Sellers, Fresno Fire Department. “If you have to be outside, try to wear loose, light colored clothing and minimize the time you’re out in the sun.”
Sellers said we also need to keep a close eye on more vulnerable people in the community, like kids and elders, or anyone else who may be more at risk in the heat.
