5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe in the Summer Heat

While the summer sun brings plenty of outdoor fun for your child, the intense heat can be harmful with prolonged exposure. Extreme temperatures can be dangerous for anyone, but young children need much more attention, as they may not communicate their discomfort and can overheat faster than adults.

If you believe your child needs immediate attention and you have concerns about a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Find your neighborhood Methodist ER so you know where to go in a medial emergency.

Follow these five steps to keep your kids safe in the summer heat:

1. Hydrate properly

   The summertime heat and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration. Be sure to have fresh, cool fluids readily available. Avoid sugary drinks, which can actually cause their bodies to lose more fluids. Remember, your children (especially if very young) may not tell you they are thirsty. Monitor their fluid intake to ensure appropriate hydration.

2. Avoid the hottest times of day

   When playing outside, avoid the extreme heat during the middle of the day. Temperatures are usually the hottest between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Consider limiting your outdoor activities to the mornings and evenings.

3. Protect against the sun

   Sunscreen is essential for protecting young, sensitive skin from sunburns. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight, light-colored clothing can help protect against harmful UV rays while keeping your children cool.

4. Take frequent breaks

   Have your children take regular breaks from outdoor activities in the heat. This enables them to cool down, hydrate and get a break from the sun.

5. Double check your backseat

   According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can climb more than 20 degrees above the outside air temperature in minutes, even with the windows cracked. If a child is left inside, their body temperature can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Never leave a child alone in a car, and always double check your backseat before leaving your vehicle.

Texas’ Department of Education and athletic associations have set standards for maximum temperatures for which daycares, schools and athletic programs can allow children to be outside. The policy may range from maximum temperatures of 85-105 degrees while factoring in humidity.

If you think your child may be suffering from heat stress (including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash) or extreme sunburn, get your child out of the heat, hydrate them and consult a physician if the condition does not improve quickly.

Call-A-Nurse at (210) 226-8773 to speak to a nurse in the South Texas area

If you have a non-life threatening concern about your child’s health, nurses representing Methodist Children’s Hospital are standing by to personally assist you with medical advice concerning your child when they are sick.