Protecting School Community Health During Extreme Heat and Wildfire Events

Extreme heat and wildfire events are becoming more frequent across the United States, creating emerging environmental health challenges for school communities. Exposure to high temperatures and wildfire emissions can adversely affect physical and emotional health, attendance, well-being, and academic or work performance. Students, especially those with asthma or other chronic health conditions, as well as staff with preexisting health concerns, are more susceptible to these exposures and face greater risk. School nurses are uniquely positioned at the intersection of healthcare and education to help schools manage the risks posed by environmental events. Within a preparedness-response-recovery framework, school nurses can incorporate environmental health hazards into emergency planning, interpret health and environmental information, coordinate protective actions, and address ongoing health needs. Through this work, school nurses can help schools adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain safe and healthy learning environments.