Schools in Several Municipalities to Shut Down on Monday and Tuesday Afternoons During Summer
Sizzling Schools: France Tackles High Temps Head-On
With an "intense heat wave" sweeping over France, schools are gearing up to keep students cool and safe. Over 73 departments, under orange vigilance, are set to remain so on Monday. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne urges vigilance as temperatures hit record-breaking highs.
"We must be pragmatic and make decisions on a case-by-case basis," Elisabeth Borne said on France 3. Allowing parents to keep children at home in extreme conditions is one such strategy. In the midst of a zesty summer, schools will hold off on starting the summer holidays.
Touching base with local authorities, specific arrangements may be implemented to accommodate students. These may include using shaded rooms for exams, ensuring access to drinking water, or temporary school closures when necessary. Schools must also adapt their premises to shield students from the sun's relentless glare.
The city of Tours, anticipating these issues, has already taken action. In a statement, the municipality encourages vigilance and excessive heat precautions for students, school staff, and residents alike. Recommending parents to keep their children at home on July 1st and 2nd, schools will only hold morning sessions, with students picked up before lunchtime. All afternoon activities have been cancelled to help combat the heat.
Similar initiatives have been proposed in La-Charité-sur-Loire, Vaucluse, and even Melun, where all municipal schools will close for two days to help students and staff navigate the sultry conditions.
The French Ministry of Education emphasizes that these measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of students and educators and preventing heat exposure-related health risks. Stay cool, France! 😎
Note: In some regions, such as Marseille, schools are handing out water sprays and fans to help manage indoor temperatures during class time. The government's "plan canicule" (heatwave plan) deploys a color-coded alert system to manage risks during extreme temperature events and encourages general heatwave recommendations such as maintaining hydration, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and dressing appropriately.
"To tackle the soaring temperatures during the heatwave, some schools may resort to transporting students to shaded or air-conditioned rooms."
"In extreme weather conditions, authorities may recommend using alternative modes of transport, such as air-conditioned buses, to ensure the well-being of students."
