As more and more locations go through heat waves this summer and subsequent summers, it’s good for parents to know what they can and should be doing to help their kids stay safe during these times. So if there’s projected to be a heat wave in your area coming up, here are three tips for keeping your kids safe during this time, whether they’ll be spending time inside or outside.
Take Extra Care When In The Car
While we’ve all heard stories of kids being left in the car and either getting seriously harmed or even killed, many people are still surprised at just how quickly a vehicle can heat up when it’s outside in the sun.
According to Christina Caron, a contributor to the Washington Post, your car can heat up by 20 degrees in just ten minutes of sitting after the air conditioner’s been running. This means that even if you’re just running inside for something quickly, it’s too dangerous for you to leave your kids in the car, especially since kids’ bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.
While you shouldn’t leave your kids in the car when it’s warm outside, you should also be careful about getting into a car that’s too hot. If you can, try to turn on the car and get the air conditioner going before you load your kids in, and make sure your air conditioner works well if you’ll be taking your kids in the car during a heat wave.
Find Cool Places To Stay
If you live in an area where heat waves aren’t common, you may not even have an air conditioner in your home to help you stay cool. In situations like this, it’s wise to find cooler places to stay with your kids while the temperatures are high.
Previously, the Red Cross recommended going places like schools, libraries, theatres, or malls to stay cool when the weather got hot. But with businesses and other public places closed due to the coronavirus, it might be harder for you to find a safe place to go with your kids when you can get cool while also protecting your health.
Push More Fluids
Many parents find that it can be hard to get their kids to drink enough fluids during the day. But when it’s hot outside, SaveTheChildren.org shares that your kids need more fluids to help themselves stay hydrated and cool.
One way you can tell that your kids are dehydrated is if they have very dark colored urine. If you notice this, try to push more fluids on your kids, ideally water, to help them get rehydrated and keep them safe and healthy.
If you have kids, consider using the tips mentioned above to help keep them safe during a heat wave.
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