How to keep your child safe during heat waves

I was a little self-righteous a week ago, comfortably snuggling up to my corner of the Pacific Northwest, and the rest were enthusiastic. But now it’s hot and I’ve noticed that I’m hiding next to the air conditioner vents to prevent children from coming back from the camp due to sunburn and heat rash. I think it will take a few minutes to make sure that we all know how to keep our children safe in the extreme heat, as they are more vulnerable than us.

Why children need to be especially careful in extreme heat

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides infants and children “A group that is disproportionately affected by extreme heat, “With the elderly and pregnant people. The reason why children are more vulnerable to heat than adults is Environmental Protection AgencyChildren are “more vulnerable to heat-related morbidity and mortality because they have a smaller weight-to-surface area ratio than adults.”

Children sometimes play outside more than adults and do not always know their limits like lazy adults. If your child has peeed on his pants and can’t stop playing, logically, he will not stop drinking water and will become dehydrated.

Know the signs of dehydration

Sounds scary, but knowing the signs of dehydration can help keep your child safe. The signs are:

• Low interest in physical activity

• Hypersensitivity
• Dry mouth or cracked lips
• I can’t tear even if I cry
• Dark urine

Water has always been a good choice for dehydration, but for severe dehydration, CDC says sports drinks may help to avoid sweet drinks Your child exchanges salt and minerals.You can also go for something like Pedia light Or similar, especially if they prefer it to ordinary water.

Prepare for the heat in advance

My son is old enough to know that it is called a “sunscreen”, but he hates it so much that he insists on calling it a “sun scream”. However, apply and reapply to prevent burns and dehydration (How often is thisWhen Here are some tricks to make them lotions without fighting). Wear loose, light-colored clothing in a breathable cotton-like fabric. They may or may not want hats to keep the sun away from their faces. Please note that hats are trapped in heat and EPA does not recommend hats to infants except to avoid sunburn.

Schedule outdoor activities in consideration of the weather. Some people can tolerate more exposure to the sun than others. My kid and I wilt pretty quickly and should plan an indoor break, preferably with a fan and air conditioning. After the camp, there is a movie afternoon in the heat wave. If you know you don’t want to play outdoors too much, buy special crafts before the hot season comes.

At my kids camp and day care, I sometimes go out first thing in the morning to play with water and get my kids’ hair wet. After that, the children go inside with wet hair. This helps keep the children cool when the temperature rises later in the day. They often repeat in the afternoon. By making the game wet and standing in front of the fan, children can forget that it is moist, warm and uncomfortable.

Beware of fever illness

If they spend time in the sun, there are some fever-induced illnesses that may make your child susceptible.Of course, be careful as well as do what you can to prevent sunburn Heat rashIt looks like red, thorny, raised skin and is often under sweaty clothing. The same symptoms can be allergies, specifically Sun allergyHowever, make sure you exclude allergic reactions, especially if your child is using new sunscreen.

Difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion It is important to make a distinction.look This chart from CDC For a complete list of symptoms of heat-related illnesses, children with heat stroke and heat stroke may exhibit similar symptoms, including:

• dizzy
• Syncope / unconsciousness
• High speed pulse
• headache
• nausea

The main way to tell the difference is that people with heat stroke have dry, hot, or moist skin, while those with heat exhaustion sweat a lot. If you suspect heat stroke, you should call 911. If your child has nausea, worsens, or does not improve after an hour of rest in a cool place, you should see a doctor.

If both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are suspected:

• Move your child to a cool place in the shade or indoors.
• Help lower your body temperature with a cold cloth or bath.

However, if you suspect heat stroke, do not give your child a drink. Call 911 and wait for further instructions.

car

I have to remind you of it Leaving a child in a hot car for an extended period of time can be fatal.. A car can get very hot inside, even if the outside is acceptablely warm. Do not leave your child alone in the car. Think about ways to always remember to check your backseat, especially if you’re away from your normal daily routine and you might forget to be with you.