How to Protect Your Children During Record-Breaking Heatwaves

Summer 2023 saw record-breaking heat, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 90% of the 120,000 heat-related emergency room visits in the United States last year occurred between May and September. Alarmingly, heat-related ER visits among children under 18 are on the rise. As temperatures climb, it’s crucial to understand how to protect your kids from the dangers of extreme heat. Here’s what you need to know to keep them safe.

Why is High Heat Dangerous for Kids?
Extreme heat can affect anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable. Kids are not as good at regulating their body temperature as adults. Their bodies produce heat faster and can’t cool down as quickly, leading to a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Children can become sick from extreme heat more quickly than adults, making it essential to take precautions.

Potential health issues caused by extreme heat include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke—a medical emergency. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that children may also become more irritable in high temperatures.

When to Keep Kids in Air Conditioning
The AAP advises that a heat index at or above 90 degrees poses a significant health risk to children. Use the heat index to decide whether to let your kids play outside. If the heat index is high and you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider taking your children to a cool indoor place like a mall, library, or cooling center. Spending even an hour or two in air conditioning can make a big difference. Electric fans can help, but they may not be effective if the temperature is 90 degrees or above—they simply circulate hot air at that point.

In 2024, the CDC launched a Heat & Health Tracker, providing local heat and health information, including emergency department visit rates for heat-related illnesses. This tool can help you stay informed about the risks in your area.

How to Stay Safe When Going Outside
If you need to go outside during high temperatures, there are several steps you can take to keep your child safe:

• Dress Appropriately:
  Choose loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help your child stay cool.
• Stay Hydrated:
  Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. If plain water isn’t appealing, add fruit for flavor or offer high-water-content foods like watermelon and cucumbers. Drinking through a straw can also encourage more fluid intake.
• Check Hot Surfaces:
  Before letting your child touch surfaces like car seat buckles and railings, feel them to ensure they won’t burn your child.
• Cool Showers or Baths:
  If your child seems overheated or there’s no air conditioning, a cool or lukewarm shower or bath can help them cool down.
• Avoid Peak Heat Hours:
  Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours when it’s cooler. Avoid strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Steer Clear of Hot Playgrounds:
  Many playgrounds have surfaces that absorb and reflect heat, making them much hotter than the surrounding areas. Check the temperature of playground equipment before letting your child play.
• Use Sunscreen:
  Sunscreen not only protects your child’s skin from sunburn but also helps them stay cool. Sunburn makes it harder for the body to regulate temperature.
• Lock Car Doors:
  Ensure your car doors are locked when not in use. Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly become dangerously high, posing a severe risk to children.
• Spend Time in Water:
  Activities involving water, such as swimming, are great for keeping cool. Encourage your children to get in the water rather than just being near it.

Knowing when to bring your child inside is crucial. Signs of overheating include pink cheeks, excessive sweating, and unusual fussiness. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to get your child into air conditioning immediately.

By following these tips, you can help protect your children from the dangers of extreme heat, ensuring they stay safe and healthy during the hottest months