Dallas ISD safety officials are urging families to prioritize safety measures as students enjoy summer break across the district.
The reminders come as temperatures soar and children spend more time outdoors, often without direct supervision.
“Summer is a time to celebrate accomplishments, like finishing the school year or graduating, and to look ahead to new adventures,” Chief Albert Martinez of the Dallas ISD Police Department said in a school district press release. “At the same time, the season brings its own challenges, such as extreme heat and large gatherings.”
Martinez stressed the importance of basic safety planning before any summer activity. He recommended wearing life vests during water activities and applying sunscreen regularly.
Children under 13 should never be left home alone while parents work, Martinez warned.
“Having a responsible teenager or adult available to supervise can help protect younger children and provide peace of mind,” he said.
Graham Swenson, the Office of Emergency Management’s emergency manager, identified overheating and water incidents as the primary summer hazards.
“These risks can be significantly reduced with proper hydration, nutrition, rest, and access to shade or air conditioning,” Swenson said.
Swimming safety requires particular vigilance, according to Swenson.
“When it comes to swimming, it’s important to stay in areas with lifeguards, understand individual swimming ability, take lessons when needed, and never swim alone.”
That said, both officials emphasized heat as Dallas’s biggest summer threat. Triple-digit temperatures pose serious health risks without proper precautions.
“Hydration and shade are two of the most effective ways to stay safe from heat-related illness,” said Martinez. “Athletes, for instance, begin hydrating days in advance of outdoor activities, and families can benefit from doing the same.”
Dallas ISD follows strict UIL guidelines for summer athletic training. These include mandatory cooling stations and automatic cancellations when temperatures become dangerous.
Still, preparation extends beyond athletics.
“The district conducts emergency drills regularly, including for severe weather situations,” Swenson said. “Our health services team is highly trained to recognize and treat heat-related conditions quickly and effectively.”
Swenson also advised families to assemble emergency go-bags at home. Essential items include candles, battery packs, radios, water, and non-perishable food.
His final recommendations focused on adaptability.
“Make plans based on the activities being considered — whether swimming, sports, or travel— and then prepare for the conditions those activities might involve,” he said.
District officials believe students can enjoy safe summer adventures with careful planning and attention to seasonal hazards.