Skip to main content

Novato Unified School District

Engage. Inspire. Empower.

Schools

Quick Links

  1. About
  2. NUSD Safety Guidelines

NUSD Safety Guidelines

NUSD Safety Guidelines

Three yellow icons on a purple background: temperature, wind, and electricity.

Safety
Information and procedures regarding our heat plan, air quality information and what to do in the event of a power shut off.

The Novato Unified School District logo features a colorful, stylized group of people.

  • A yellow thermometer icon inside a yellow circle on a purple background.

    August 23, 2024
    The Heat Plan was updated in August 2023 to reflect the installation of air conditioning at all NUSD schools and the updated Marin County Heat Risk Outdoor Activity Overview and Communications – July 2023. We believe it serves the community best to have a clear plan for what happens when temperatures exceed identified levels.

     

    Heat Plan
    The district will not close schools due to hot weather but will modify outdoor physical activity based on Heat Risk level outlined in the Marin County Heat Risk Outdoor Activity Overview and Communication Protocols – July 2023. We do not close schools as we believe that our schools are the best place for our students, even in most extreme weather conditions. We also appreciate that parents have the option to pick their children up early or to keep students home from school if they believe that is in the best interest of their child.

    Timeline of events for when the forecasted temperature is 95° or higher with a heat index of 103° or higher (benchmark levels) based upon data from the National Weather Service’s official website.

    Weather exceeding benchmark levels:

    • Superintendent or Designee will monitor temperatures and communicate to school staff to implement the District Heat Guidelines.

    The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. We want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible so that learning can continue. As a result, our schools will have several guidelines in place for planning instruction during extremely hot weather.

    Instructional Program Modifications
    When temperatures near benchmark levels, elementary teachers may rearrange the daily schedule so that basic skills subjects are taught at the optimal time. Recess activities will be limited to quiet games that require a minimum of physical activity. Physical education activities at all grade levels will be limited to less strenuous activities and/or will be rescheduled to a more appropriate time. Please see the Marin County Heat Risk Outdoor Activity Overview and Communication Protocols – July 2023.

    Extracurricular Activities
    Athletic activities and practices may be canceled due to hot weather, or rescheduled for a more appropriate time. Before- and after-school programs may also be modified or activities rearranged. Please see the Marin County Heat Risk Outdoor Activity Overview and Communication Protocols – July 2023.

    Keeping Students Cool and Hydrated
    Students are encouraged to bring containers of water to school during hot weather. Water fountains are available in all schools and schools are to encourage students to take extra water fountain breaks throughout the day.

    Students are asked to dress in lightweight clothing that is aligned with their school dress codes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply sunscreen to their children before school, as school staff are not permitted to apply it. If a child has a medical condition or may be compromised by exposure to high temperatures, parents or guardians may keep them at home or arrange for an early release.

    More Information

  • A yellow speedometer icon with wind symbols on a purple background.         The AirNow logo features a blue crescent shape with the text 'AirNow' in blue.

    Real time widget for AQI in Novato

    After extensive consultation with Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer, and with input and guidance from Marin County school districts, the Air Quality Guidelines for Marin County school districts were developed to assist in the planning and response as air quality issues arise in our community.  This information is meant to serve as a general guideline for information gathering and decision-making. While each district will need to make decisions based on their unique circumstances, these guidelines help ensure a process of communication among Marin school districts, always guided by the public health professionals.

    In addition, these steps and guidelines have been developed based on best practices from our own local experiences and from recommendations from the California Department of Education, air quality districts and public health professionals statewide.

    Highlights of the Air Quality Guidelines:

    • AirNow.gov is the air quality measurement monitor to assess air quality as is recommended by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the California Air Resources Board, and the U.S. EPA.
    • Masks have limitations and the N95 masks require a tight seal to be effective. Masks can worsen breathing difficulty for sensitive breathers or cause deeper breathing, which draws particles deeper in the lungs when not fitted properly.  When air is unhealthy, the best option is to reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
    • Specific recommendations for school physical activities is provided (see School Air Quality Activity Recommendations below.)

  • A yellow lightning bolt icon inside a circle with a plug on each end, on a purple background.   The PG&E logo features black text and a stylized graphic on a blue background.

    What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
    For public safety, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity when gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk, are forecasted. This is called a “Public Safety Power Shutoff” or “PSPS.”

    While customers in high fire-threat areas are more likely to be affected, any of PG&E’s more than 5 million electric customers could have their power shut off. This is because the energy system relies on power lines working together to provide electricity across cities, counties and regions.

    The Novato Unified School District has been working with the City of Novato, Novato Fire District, Novato Police Department and other local agencies since early 2019 in preparation for these possible power shutoffs.  As part of this process, the Marin County Office of Education, various county agencies, and the Marin County Superintendents have developed uniform guidelines for schools to follow in the event of a power shutoff.

    Based on the information and guidance we have at this time; we anticipate taking the following steps in the event of a power shut down:

    • If the power is shut down during the normal school day, school operations will continue through the remainder of the school day.
    • If the power is shut down outside of the normal school day, school will be closed until power is restored. Based on estimates from PG&E, Public Safety Power Shutoffs may result in extended power outages of 3-5 days.


    When power is restored, schools will be back in session. If power is restored during the normal school day, school will be back in session the following day.

    Communication during the power outage – Schools will make every effort to provide updated information regarding status of the outage, using whatever information channels they have available (cell phone, landline, email, texting, social media, local news media) with the understanding that communication systems will be limited.

    In order to stay as up to date as possible on the most current information, our public safety officials are recommending that you register your contact information at the following sites:


    Here are some additional links with important resources to assist you in being prepared at home.

Emergency Preparedness Resources