The summer sun draws many families outdoors for fun, but with triple digit temperatures in the forecast, it’s important to keep safety front of mind.
Heat stroke is one of the leading causes of weather-related illness and death in the U.S. Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death since their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults. Older adults are also at greater risk, as well as those with pre-existing health problems and/or using certain medications. Pregnant women are also at higher risk.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two common threats when temperatures soar (see chart below). The National Weather Service has warnings and recommendations for addressing heat-related illness and preventing it altogether.
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Symptoms include painful muscle cramps and spasms typically in the legs and abdomen, along with heavy sweating. Massage the muscle and drink water. If cramping persists over one hour, seek medical help.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, and nausea. If you notice these symptoms or cool, pale, or clammy skin and a weak pulse, it’s important to act quickly. Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen their clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, or help them sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. Medical attention may be needed if the person vomits.
Heat stroke is indicated by confusion, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. The person may experience a throbbing headache, nausea, and a fever. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency and any delay can be fatal. Move them to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give them fluids.
According to the NWS, using a fan to blow air in someone’s direction may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s. For more information on all of these heat related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.
Here are some tips for preventing heat-related illness:
- Take breaks from the heat and avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
- Stay hydrated and ensure children are, too.
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
- It’s also important to beware of sunburn, which can severely injure a child’s skin. Apply sunscreen with at least 30SPF and protect skin with long sleeves or a hat when possible.
Looking for relief from the heat?
Use this resource for cooling centers in Los Angeles County: https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/
And this one for San Bernardino County: https://dph.sbcounty.gov/2023/cooling-places-in-san-bernardino-county/
It’s important to remember that a child must never be left unattended in a vehicle. Every year, children succumb to the heat in a vehicle. This is a totally preventable tragedy. Refer to our Matter of Minutes campaign for more. And be sure to practice pool safety if your children will be in or near a body of water.
