Heat Wave Closes Schools
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
August 6, 2007 9:30pm CST
Just one day following the beginning of the new school season the schools will be closed in my city due to the heat wave we are currently having. This hot weather coupled with the high humidity is causing serious health concerns. Today they brought in bottled water to the schools for the children and teachers. I agree with the decision to close the schools because many people don't do well under conditions of extreme temperatures.
6 people like this
14 responses
@jeweledbluerose (3061)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I'm dreading the electric bill, more than I am the heat and humidity. Trying to stay cool is gonna be costly, and I am surprised there haven't been major problems with the electricity going out in my area. In my area we have been dealing with the heat and humidity for nearly two months now, and I've nearly roasted, before giving in and turning up the a/c a bit more.
@jeweledbluerose (3061)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I wish that is one bill I didn't have to worry about anymore. It makes it hard on the pocket book when it gets around $300.00. So can only imagine with this heatwave going through what it is going to be like on the next bill. During the hottest part of the day I will generally go to the library to use their computers, because even with the a/c running I am afraid to run my computer and over heating it. Will definately be glad when this heatwave passes.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I think that most people will be glad when it's over, jeweled. I've always believed that children are the only one that can truly enjoy all the heat of the summer. It seems that it didn't bother us when we were kids and youngsters.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I am fortunate to not have to pay my electric bill any more, jeweled. My daughter has the same concern as you. She says that she takes the heat for as long as she can stand it.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Yes it is dangerous, Shaun. I think the fact that people have become accustomed to having ac in their homes has lowered their toleration level to the heat. I can remember the days before we had ac and no matter how hot it got we could stand it.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I'm assuming you're "in the south"? Why would they not have a/c in the schools? Here up North not all of the schools have a/c but we also don't start until the end of August or beginning of September. While it can be warm, even hot, most days it's not horrid. Many of the teachers have fans in the windows and some even have indvidual air conditioning units. Very few schools locally have been updated with a/c but some have it now.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
No, hockeygal, I am in the midwest-Ohio to be exact. I think the problem is that only the schools built after a certain year have air/c. The older ones do not. Also, we rarely experience temperatures of this extreme.
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Thank goodness the 'officials' in your town have a little common sense! I can't believe that school districts are starting school in this extreme heat. Ours start tomorrow. I think they should not start until after Labor Day and quit having a 'fall break' in October. Just start a week or two later and forego the break! Seems ridiculous and unsafe to start in this heat. Many of our old schools in this area are not air conditioned and some even hold classrooms in trailers. They are like little metal stoves in this heat!
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
You are absolutely right, cn. Maybe the conditions this summer will cause the decision-makers to rethink their policy about when to have breaks, and when to start the new school year. I remember when "Back-to-school" was always after Labor Day. It should be placed back into effect.
@mummymo (23706)
•
7 Aug 07
Here there are maximum and minimum temperatures where schools will close if the climate reaches these temperatures! Children will find it very difficult to try and work and are more likely to get dehydrated if they stay in school in these conditions! I agree with the decision too! xxx
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
This is very true, mummymo. The safety and well-being of the children should take priority in these situations. I remember when my children were in school years ago. Sometimes it got so bad during the winter that I would keep them at home despite the city's decision to keep the schools open.
@cmsk2005 (1770)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Yes this is happening all around the world my friend. Here in UK flood has created a total mess all over northern England and its after 60 years this kind of flood is there and many schools are closed for days. This is not good to see though but all over southern Europe, there is lot of heat wave too. So take care my friend
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
The weather does seem to be on a rampage, cmsk, so this will inconvenience many people. It takes time, but things usually work out in the end.
@weemam (13372)
•
7 Aug 07
What a shame that must be really terrible pal , we are supposed to be having our summer and we are lucky if we hit 16 deg here what an ill devided world xxx
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I am not afraid of the heat because I live in California and we have to deal with the heat all of the time. We are used to it here, we just carry a lot of water and we are relax on activities.
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
11 Aug 07
How come this never happened when I was a kid? We needed at least 8 inches of snow before they would close the schools. Now they shut them down even if the wind is blowing from the wrong direction. And we didn't have air conditioning when I was in grade school either. How come it is so much more unhealthier now than it was in the 50's and 60's? I say pay the kids to stay in school...lol
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Thank goodness I don't need to worry about this as we homeschool. Even if they were in school though I wouldn't have to worry anyway as they don't start school in NJ until after Labor day.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I also live in the midwest and the weather here is just too hot for the kids to go to school. I home school my children so I don't have to worry about it but the local schools starts this week and I know that the kids are going to suffer as it is miserably hot and humid here too. I don't think that school should start until after Labor Day as it is always hot and humid and that doesn't make for great school weather.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
That's a great point, carolscash. Hopefully your city will take heed and close the schools down while this heat wave lasts. Our forecast says that we will most likely be experiencing this pattern at least for the rest of this week. Your kids are lucky to be home schooled.
@raychill (6525)
• United States
7 Aug 07
oh. Summer school is still in where I live. The new school season doesn't start till August 27th. Summer school ends 2 weeks before.
I don't think Summer school got out but it's extremely humid around my way. I mean sickeningly humid that I'm surprised summer schools haven't gotten out. Then again they really could and I just know because I certainly haven't seen cars outside the high school I drive by but I don't know anyone in summer school either.
