Heat Safety Tips for Children

It is very important to take extra precautions during summer hot days.  Below are some tips to help keep kids and adults safe.

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids. Children are more susceptible to heat stress than adults for a number of reasons:

·        Children don't have as much ability to sweat, to dispel heat

·        Children begin sweating only when their body reaches a higher temperature

·        Sunlight hits children more than adults, proportionately: Children have larger heads in proportion to their bodies, and more surface area in proportion to body mass.

·        Children don't know or understand the symptoms of heat stress, and will play to the point of exhaustion

·        Thirst is not an accurate measure of how much fluid a person needs, and children rarely know how much fluids they need

To avoid dehydration and other effects of the heat, experts recommend:

·        Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body.

·        Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision. Have them drink a glass of water one to two hours before going out, and another glass 10 to 15 minutes before going outside to play

·        Encourage children to drink regularly, every 20 to 30 minutes; have them drink until they're not thirsty, and then another half glass

·        Plan early morning play. Limit outdoors playtime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its peak

Dress children in loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from natural fibers, which "breathe" better than synthetic fibers and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.

·        Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. So it is advised Never leave a child unattended in a parked car, even with the windows down.