Weather | Safety | Planning

Air Quality Information

New York State

Outdoor Air and Health - NYSDOH
This NYS Department of Health webpage provides information about air quality and recommendations for workers, schools, and childcare providers.

Particle Pollution and Health - NYSDOH
This NYS Department of Health webpage provides information and recommendations about outdoor and indoor air quality.

Sample School Outdoor Air Quality Protocol - NYSCSH (5/2023)
A sample protocol from the NYS Center for School Health on physical activity modifications/restrictions based on the Air Quality Index.

Other Resources

AirNow.gov
AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy.

Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality in Schools and Commercial Buildings (EPA)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information and resources for schools to reduce smoke concentrations in buildings.

Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools
Fact sheet and flag program provided by AirNow and the CDC.

Guidance for Schools During Wildfire Smoke Events
Fact sheet provided by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools & Childcare Settings (ALA)
Fact sheet provided by the NYS Children's Asthma Initiative and the American Lung Association.

Cold Weather Safety Information

Sample School Guidance for Cold Weather Safety (NYSCSH 2/2025)
A sample guideline from the New York State Center for School Health on modifications or restrictions based on the National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart and the NYS Public High School Athletic Association.

National Weather Service Windchill Chart
Provides an interactive chart that can be used to determine wind chill based on temperature and wind speed.

Winter Weather | CDC
Resources for winter weather safety, preventing frostbite and hypothermia. It also contains helpful infographics for educating students and families.

Cold Weather Safety for Children - HealthyChildren.org
Contains helpful information and education for parents and students on cold weather safety.

Hot Weather Safety Information

Sample School Guidance for Hot Weather Safety (NYSCSH 3/2025)
A sample guideline from the New York State Center for School Health on modifications or restrictions based on the National Weather Service Heath Index Chart and the NYS Public High School Athletic Association.

Extreme Heat Advice - NYSDOH
The New York State Department of Health webpage contains heat advice, including procedures for athletes and coaches, workers and employers, and heat and health data. Provides information on heat-related illnesses. Translated versions are available in several other languages.

Heat and Health Tracker - CDC
A nationwide tool from the CDC's Climate and Health Program provides information on heat health outcomes at the zip code level. It can be utilized to prepare for extreme heat and prevent heat-related illness.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness - CDC
Provides resources and infographics on heat-related illness and prevention strategies for educating staff, students, and families.

National Weather Service Heat Forecast Tool
Provides information on heat index and other tools used to assess the potential for heat stress due to extreme temperatures.

National Weather Service Heat Safety- Heat Related Illness
Provides information and education and prevention strategies for education staff, students, and families on heat-related illness.

Heat Illness Prevention
The OSHA Health Illness Prevention campaign educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat.

National Integrated Health Information System
Heat.gov serves as the premier source of heat and health information by providing resources for planning, education, infographics, and action tools.

Athletics | Physical Activities

Climatic Heat Stress and Exercising Children and Adolescents
The American Academy of Pediatrics guide provides updated guidance on preparation, modifications, and monitoring for safe participation in outdoor sports and physical activities in warm to hot climatic conditions.

New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA)

Safety and Research Page
NYSPHSAA webpage provides resources for heat index, wind chill procedures, and thunder and lightning.

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement on Exertional Heat Illnesses
Recommendations on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of exertional heat illnesses, including exercise-associated muscle cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and exertional heatstroke.

Other Weather

Lightning Safety Tips - National Weather Services
Contains safety info for groups/venues, model lightning safety plans, and resources for educators

Resources for Families for Heating Assistance

NYS Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Provides assistance to low-income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs, including heating and cooling. HEAP Hotline 1-800-342-3009.