Heat Wave Preparedness Guidelines for Schools 2026 | School & Mass Education Dept Odisha Letter No.5105 Dated 21.02.2026
Heat Wave Preparedness & Precautionary Measures for Schools – Summer 2026
Department: School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha
Letter No: 5105 | Date: 21.02.2026
Published: 21 February 2026 Applicable to: All Government, Aided & Private Schools under School & Mass Education Department, Odisha
The School & Mass Education Department has issued detailed guidelines to ensure safety of students and staff during the heat wave season in summer 2026.
These measures are mandatory in all schools. A copy of SRC Odisha Letter No.569 dated 10.02.2026 is enclosed for reference.
Key Precautionary Measures to be Taken
- Drinking Water Supply: Extra care must be taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of safe drinking water. Repair tube wells inside school campus wherever required.
- ORS Availability: Sufficient ORS packets should be kept in schools and provided free to students/staff showing signs of heat stress/dehydration.
- Restriction on Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities (sports, assembly, etc.) must be restricted or shifted to early morning/late afternoon to avoid peak heat exposure.
- Parent Sensitization: All parents must be informed and sensitized to ensure their children carry a water bottle to school daily. Publicize this widely (PTA meetings, SMS, notices, etc.).
- Awareness Sessions: Schools should allocate time during school hours to educate students on heat wave precautions, symptoms of heat stroke, hydration, and safety tips.
Important Instructions for Schools:
- Implement these measures immediately and monitor daily.
- Ensure no student is forced to stay in open/hot classrooms without water/fans.
- Report any heat-related illness immediately to district/block education authorities.
- Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action against school heads.
- These guidelines are in addition to SRC Odisha advisory (Letter No.569/10.02.2026).
📄 Official Letter (PDF): View / Download
WhatsApp Telegram Facebook PDFFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which department issued heat wave guidelines for schools in 2026?
School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha – Letter No.5105 dated 21.02.2026.
2. What are the main precautions schools must take during heat wave?
Ensure drinking water, keep ORS packets, restrict outdoor activities, sensitize parents for water bottles, and conduct awareness sessions for students.
3. Are these guidelines applicable to private schools?
Yes – mandatory for all Government, Government Aided, and Private Schools under School & Mass Education Department.
4. What reference letter is enclosed with this guideline?
Letter No.569 dated 10.02.2026 from SRC (State Relief Commissioner), Odisha.
5. Whom should schools report heat-related issues to?
Report immediately to district/block education authorities or nearest health centre. Inform parents promptly in case of illness.