Watch Out for Children this Summer
Children are at higher risk for heat-related illness.
Children are less able to regulate body temperature- between 3 to 5 times faster than adults!- and don’t cool down as quickly from sweating. They can get dehydrated more quickly.
Cool Down Inside
Continually offer water
Wear a bandana soaked in water as a cool compress
Serve ice cream
Make no-bake treats together
Plan indoor activities
Play in the bathtub
Educate children about the risks of extreme heat! Show them what they can do to prevent heat-related illness.
Plan Heat-Safe Activities
Go swimming or to a splash pad
Find your local swimming pool!
Visit the library or children’s museum
Go to the grocery store
Hang out at the mall
Check off a list before you leave the house
Do you have water bottles for everyone?
Does everyone have a hat, umbrella, or something to protect from the sun?
Does everyone have sunscreen on? Are you bringing extra to reapply?
Never leave children in the car unattended, not even a minute.
Cars heat up dangerously fast, even with a window cracked open - on a 90°F day, a car's interior can reach 110°F in 10 minutes! Make sure no one is left behind when you leave the car.
Tip: Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and place it in the front with the driver when a child is in the car as a reminder to not leave them behind.