As temperatures soar into triple digits, parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay vigilant and follow expert guidance.
Pediatric experts at Valley Children’s are urging parents and caregivers to take crucial precautions as summer temperatures rise. With the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory for the upcoming weekend, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of children during extreme heat.
Staying hydrated, minimizing outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and monitoring signs of heat-related illness are crucial steps families can take to prevent emergencies.
“Children absorb heat faster, sweat less efficiently, and depend entirely on caregivers to recognize danger,” said Dr. Venkata Sushma Chamarthi, pediatrician at Valley Children’s Healthcare. “That combination can turn a hot afternoon into a medical emergency faster than most parents expect.”
Early heat illness can show up as heavy sweating or fatigue, along with headache, nausea, dizziness, or muscle cramps. Anyone with these signs should move to a cool place and start hydrating right away.
More serious symptoms require immediate emergency care. Those symptoms can include hot, dry skin, confusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, or a temperature above 104°F. Infants need urgent attention for dehydration signs like a sunken soft spot, no tears, dry mouth, or fewer wet diapers.
“Heat illness is almost entirely preventable. Plan ahead, hydrate early, know the warning signs, and act quickly if something seems wrong,” said Dr. Chamarthi.
Several misconceptions about heat safety can also give families a false sense of security.
- “Shade and rest are enough for heat exhaustion.” Shade reduces heat exposure but does not cool an overheated child. Immediate active cooling is necessary.
- “Thirst indicates dehydration.” Thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Children often don’t signal fluid needs until they are mildly dehydrated. Hydration should start before outdoor activities.
- “A fit child is safe in the heat.” Physical fitness and heat acclimatization are different. The first week of summer sports practices are high-risk, regardless of a child’s fitness level.
Another critical concern during extreme heat is the danger of leaving children in parked cars. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths in children under 15. Young children are especially at risk, as their bodies can overheat up to five times faster than adults.
“These tragedies can happen to anyone but are preventable by remembering to A.C.T.,” said Kristina Pasma, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Valley Children’s.
- A – Avoid leaving children in vehicles, even for a moment. Rolling down the windows or parking in the shade does not reduce the risk of overheating.
- C – Create reminders to avoid accidentally forgetting a child in the back seat by placing an item, like your cellphone or purse, in the backseat.
- T – Take action. If you see a child alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately.
For more resources and safety tips, visit the Injury Prevention Program page at Valley Children’s.
