VIC.GOV.AU | Policy and Advisory Library

Managing Extreme Heat

Policy last updated

24 October 2025

Scope

  • Schools

Date:
January 2020

On this page:

Policy

Policy

This policy provides direction for schools to prepare for, manage and respond to risks associated with extreme heat to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors during all school activities, on and off school grounds.

Summary

Schools must:

  • prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff during an extreme heat event and maintain a safe and healthy environment, as far as reasonably practicable
  • as part of their emergency management planning, conduct risk assessments and plan for extreme heat conditions for their specific location and context
  • update their Emergency Management Plans (EMPs) to include extreme heat management actions for before, during and after an extreme heat event
  • monitor temperatures and local conditions throughout the heat season (October to March) and stay aware of any Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) heatwave forecasts and warnings for their area of operation
  • adapt and make adjustments to school activities and schedules to respond to their school’s unique needs and conditions
  • be able to recognise and treat heat related illness. Children and young people are more susceptible to heat stress and therefore schools must have measures in place to manage the risks associated with extreme hot weather
  • share information and communicate with students, staff, parents and the wider school community, before, during and after an extreme heat event, as necessary.

All school closures and significant changes to school operations must be approved by the regional director.

Details

Given recent experience of extreme weather conditions in Victoria and with climate change projected to significantly increase the frequency and severity of extreme heat and heatwaves, schools must put in place adequate measures to avoid, reduce and manage heat related risks and impacts. These risks and mitigating actions must be incorporated into the school’s emergency management plan (EMP) and cover risks to:

  • people – students, staff, volunteers and visitors during all school activities on and off school grounds
  • infrastructure and services – buildings, transport, electricity and water.

Assessing heat risks

As part of a school’s emergency management planning, schools must conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards, assess any current measures in place to reduce risks, and identify additional actions needed to further reduce or eliminate risks.

Risk assessments must:

  • identify which individuals are at increased risk of heat and how their needs will be addressed
  • include heat-related risks and consider such things as building design and outdoor areas
  • consider the location and climate conditions specific to the school as well as locations of school activities, excursions or camps off school grounds
  • be reviewed and updated annually, and after significant extreme heat event or infrastructure changes.

For detailed guidance on completing the risk assessment table in the online EMP, refer to the Emergency and critical incident management planning guide for government schools (PDF)External Link .

For guidance on identifying individuals at risk, refer to the guidance chapter: Individuals at-risk of heat related health problems.

Planning

Schools must plan for extreme heat events and take necessary actions to mitigate and manage identified risks before, during and after extreme heat days. These arrangements must be documented in the school’s EMP and:

  • include triggers for action, based on Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) heatwave forecasts and warnings
  • address the health consequences of extreme heat on students and how to respond
  • address the consequences of extreme heat on critical services and infrastructure such as power outage(s), transport delays and/or cancellations, for example:
    • identify areas of their school most likely to be impacted by heat
    • identify cool areas, including outdoor areas that can be used during extreme heat
    • identify which areas of their school can operate without power and an agreed procedure for how to operate these areas without the functionality of power
    • identify which areas of the school cannot operate without power and an agreed procedure for how the school will manage the loss of use of these spaces (for example, relocating classes)
  • be reviewed and updated annually and following an extreme heat event.

It is recommended that schools consult with their Health Safety Representative (HSR) in their planning. When identifying heat hazards and controls for heat risks, workers likely to be exposed to heat, as well as their HSR, must be consulted.

Warnings and alerts

Heatwave warnings

Schools have a responsibility to regularly monitor the BoM heatwave warnings, forecasts and the heat index during the high-risk season, which starts in October.

BoM issues heatwave warnings using 3 heatwave categories based on intensity:

  • low-intensity heatwaves which do not trigger a BoM heatwave warning as it is expected most people can cope
  • severe heatwaves which can trigger a BoM heatwave warning as those more at risk (that is, children and young people) may be impacted
  • extreme heatwaves which can trigger a BoM heatwave warning as everyone, even those who are healthy, are at risk.

Heatwave warnings are based on 3 days of unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures for that location.

Heatwave warnings are available on the Bureau of Meteorology websiteExternal Link , in the Bureau of Meteorology appExternal Link , and via their telephone service on 1300 978 022.

Heat health warnings

The Department of Heath will issue a heat health warning:

  • in response to a BoM severe or extreme heatwave warning to disseminate a link to the new BoM heatwave warning
  • when forecast high maximum and minimum temperatures do not meet the criteria for a BoM heatwave warning but the Department of Health’s Chief Health Officer considers that a heat health risk exists.

A heat health warning notifies the community, local governments, hospitals, health and community services of the risk and likely impact on people's health.

Schools are encouraged to subscribe to the heat health alerts, advisories and newsletters for regular monitoring of outdoor weather conditions through the Health Vic website, by:

Communication

Clear and timely communication with school staff and the school community during periods of extreme heat is essential to ensuring safety and minimising risk.

Upon receiving advice of a heat health alert, schools must:

  • brief staff on the school’s expectations regarding management of the risks associated with extreme hot weather
  • share the heatwave warnings and school-specific information with the school community so everyone is aware of what actions the school will take, and any actions required of students and/or their parents and carers.
  • In the event school operations are significantly impacted, parents must be contacted in a timely manner.

Health impacts

The health impacts of extreme heat and heatwaves can be significant. Extreme heat can have particularly detrimental effects on children and young people’s health.

During extreme hot weather conditions and when BoM and/or the Department of Health issue warnings or alerts, schools must have measures in place to prevent, manage and respond to the health risks associated with extreme hot weather.

Schools must be able to recognise signs and symptoms of heat stress and treat heat-related illnesses. Common forms and symptoms of heat-related illnesses include:

  • dehydration
  • heat rash
  • heat cramps – these include muscle pains or spasms
  • dizziness and fainting
  • heat exhaustion – warning signs may include paleness and sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting
  • heatstroke – the person may stagger, appear confused, have a fit, collapse and become unconscious. This is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention
  • exacerbate asthma and other respiratory illnesses
  • deterioration in pre-existing medical conditions such as heart and kidney disease
  • disruption in learning due to difficulty concentrating
  • mental health impacts such as anxiety, psychological distress.

Immediate actions

If a student, staff member or visitor shows any sign of heat exhaustion, heat stress or heatstroke, schools must apply first aid and seek medical assistance immediately. Immediate first aid procedures include:

  • calling emergency services (000) for suspected heatstroke
  • moving the affected individual to a cool, shaded area
  • providing cool water or electrolyte solution
  • applying a cool compress or ice pack
  • contacting parents or carers.

When managing and responding to heat-related risks and illness, schools must take into consideration any students with specific identified health care needs. Refer to the Health Care Needs policy.

Other actions

  • Hydration: ensure access to cool drinking water and encourage frequent water consumption throughout the day
  • Clothing: wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and hats to protect from the sun and heat
  • Shade: increase access to shaded areas and encourage students, staff and visitors to take frequent breaks in the shade
  • Sun protection: recommend hats, sunglasses and sunscreen when outdoors
  • Cooling measures: utilise air conditioning, fans or other cooling methods in classrooms
  • Activity management: modify or postpone strenuous outdoor activities and schedule them during cooler parts of the day
  • First aid supplies: review first aid kits and consider the inclusion of additional ice packs and rehydration supplements
  • Education: teach students the importance of staying hydrated, and how to protect themselves from the heat. Train staff to recognise signs and symptoms of heat stress and treat heat-related illnesses
  • Signage: display heat guidelines and charts in prominent locations in the school for reminders about hydration and symptoms.

For more information on the health impacts of extreme heat, and recognising and treating symptoms, refer to the Better Health Channel: Heat-related health problemsExternal Link .

Safety and wellbeing impacts

The department has a duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that schools are safe and without risks to health, safety and wellbeing. This includes risks related to extreme heat and extends to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

In addition to the requirements already described in this policy, schools must manage occupational health and safety (OHS) risks related to extreme heat by:

  • the principal or their delegate identifying, assessing, controlling and monitoring OHS risks in consultation with their health and safety representatives (refer to the OHS Consultation and Communication policy)
  • scheduling more breaks, if required
  • planning for staff absences and backfill arrangements
  • provide advice and support to reduce risk to students in school council operated outside school hours care.

To better prepare staff to respond and manage extreme heat events, it is recommended that schools:

  • increase staff awareness of recognising and responding to heat-related illnesses
  • include training on first aid procedures for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke
  • ensure all staff are aware of the school’s heat risk management actions.

Central and regional offices provide a range of supports and services to assist principals and employees to be safe and well, including access to the Statewide OHS Services Team in each region who can provide support to schools for managing risks. Schools can also contact the OHS Advisory Service (provided by Marsh Pty Ltd) via email at safety@education.vic.gov.au or call 1300 074 715.

For further detail, refer to the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Management in Schools and Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies.

Modifying schedules or changes to school operations

There are no specific statutory or regulatory limits on the temperature to which staff can be exposed in Victoria. However, during extreme heat events if it is uncomfortably hot within the school premises, or where the principal has safety concerns, principals may make an informed decision in consultation with the HSR, emergency management staff and regional director to make adjustments to provide an environment that is safe and protects the wellbeing of students and staff, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Schools may:

  • consider modifying or postponing any planned vigorous or physical activity
  • vary school hours by reducing midday recess to no less than 30 minutes and adjusting the dismissal time accordingly
  • consider reduced hours or school closure in the event that there is loss of critical services such as loss of power supply, water or transportation.

Note that all school closures and significant changes to school operations must be approved by the regional director.

Critical infrastructure and essential services

Aside from heat, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the adverse effects of extreme heat events. These include urban design, older buildings, accessibility to health services and access to air-conditioned learning areas.

Schools must consider the impacts of heat on their infrastructure and services and are equipped to manage and respond to extreme heat events. Consider the following to increase comfort and safety on extreme weather days:

  • ensuring adequate access to cool drinking water
  • providing shaded areas (both built and natural) and air-conditioned or well-ventilated indoor spaces, for example:
    • identifying a designated ‘cool area’ where, in extreme heat conditions, students and staff can assemble
    • having adequate shade on school grounds from man-made structures (tents, sails and umbrellas) and/or trees
  • using large industrial fans and portable cooling devices (fans, misters)
  • opening doors and windows or providing access to air conditioning during activities, especially during activity rest periods
  • closing any internal and external blinds
  • using cross ventilation and air circulation methods
  • installing reflective window coverings or other infrastructure improvements such as shade sails, where necessary and feasible
  • planning for disruptions in power and water supply, breakdown of IT systems, transportation delays and/or cancellations, and turning off machinery or equipment not in use.

When undertaking renovations or designing facilities, schools must do so in a way that considers and responds to current and future climate change impacts (including increased heat), as outlined in the Building Quality Standards Handbook.

Schools are also strongly encouraged to manage and maintain facilities with consideration of current and future climate change impacts. Embedding climate change adaptation measures across the facilities’ design and management lifecycle can lead to greater climate resilience, increased longevity of school facilities and reduced vulnerability. Schools can refer to the Sustainable Facilities policy for further guidance on how to do this.

Definitions

Extreme heat event
Extreme heat events refer to periods of unusually high temperatures that can occur over a single day or multiple days, and can significantly impact people, infrastructure, services and the environment.

Extreme heat
Extreme heat refers to a single day or short period of unusually high temperatures, often exceeding thresholds that pose significant risk to health, infrastructure and services. This is determined using the Bureau of Meteorology heatwave forecast, and the heat index.

Heatwave
A heatwave is defined as a period of at least 3 consecutive days during which both the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually high for a specific location.

Relevant legislation

Contact

Schools with general queries about this policy or requiring assistance with their EMP or the Online EMP PortalExternal Link may contact their regional manager, operations and emergency management or the Security and Emergency Management Division via emergency.management@education.vic.gov.au

Principals (or delegates) can contact the Statewide OHS Services TeamExternal Link in their region for help with reporting or managing staff related incidents and hazards in eduSafe Plus, implementing the OHS Management System, conducting risk assessments and managing safety risks:

Alternatively, schools can contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715 or via email at safety@education.vic.gov.au for help with reporting or managing staff related incidents and hazards in eduSafe Plus, implementing the OHS Management System, conducting risk assessments and other OHS issues.

Guidance

Guidance

While anyone can suffer from heat-related health problems, babies, children and young people are more susceptible to heat related stress and illnesses. Others more at-risk include:

  • people over 65 years
  • pregnant women
  • people who have existing medical conditions, such as asthma and other respiratory ailments, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or mental illness
  • individuals with limited mobility
  • people on certain medications such as allergy medicines, seizure medicines, thyroid medication and antidepressants
  • individuals who work or exercise outdoors
  • people who are socially isolated or living alone, because there may not be someone to support or check in with them during extreme heat
  • individuals with limited ways to keep cool, such as air conditioning, including those living in buildings that heat up easily.

To address the needs of at-risk individuals, it is recommended that schools:

  • plan with consideration for any students and staff with medical conditions that may increase their risk of heat-related illness
  • develop heat-related illness management actions in consultation with the parents and carers of at-risk students, and add these to the student’s health support plan. Refer to the Health Care Needs policy for further guidance
  • ensure that parents, carers and relevant medical personnel have a shared understanding of the heat-related illness management actions in students’ action plans.

Resources

Resources

Reviewed 23 October 2025