According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2025 will be one of the top five warmest years on Earth. In fact, 2025 could very likely be the second-warmest year on record. Regardless of the records this year breaks, it has started and is set to continue being a very hot summer. With that in mind, it’s important to be mindful of the dangers that hot weather can present in order to avoid serious health concerns.
Here are 5 tips to beat the heat and keep you and your kids safe this summer.
1) Stay Hydrated
Over half of the human body is made of water, and without enough water, the body cannot function correctly. That said, children under the age of 9 tend to be more susceptible to dehydration. This is because they lose water more quickly and often forget to drink water. As a result, it is essential to focus on keeping kids hydrated as the weather continues to heat up.
Ensure that water is readily accessible and offer children drinks many times throughout the day. When playing outside, incorporate water breaks and encourage kids to drink often, even if it’s just a “small sip.” For those who don’t like water, character water bottles, ice pops, flavored water, and hydrating foods can make staying hydrated more fun. For childcare providers, programs like ChildWatch can also help with meal nutrition and planning to get high water content foods on the menu for the summer.
2) Use Heat Protection
It is all too tempting to go outside without sun protection, but sunscreen and sun protection are essential for summer safety. Going into the scorching sun without protection can result in painful sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. In order to avoid sun damage, take proper precautions before going out into the sun. Dress children in lightweight and light colored clothing to stay cool. Sometimes a wide-brimmed hat, sunvisor, and/or sunglasses are also helpful. After making sure their attire is appropriate, apply sunscreen to any exposed skin for complete protection.
3) Stay Cool
Summer heat should not deter you from going outside this summer, but there are some things to take into consideration when planning outdoor activities. The ideal time for outdoor activities is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If you have to go outside in the middle of the day, try to pick locations that have shade so that you are not relentlessly exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, consider going out with a portable fan, a bottle of ice water, a spray bottle, and a cooling towel to help keep you and your children cool.
4) Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat waves will be inevitable this year, but there are ways to prevent overheating. If you or your child exhibits symptoms of overheating, take immediate action to avoid major complications. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include excessive sweating, feeling weak and tired, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, extreme thirst, and/or a rapid heartbeat. If these symptoms start while outside, take a break, drink some water, and if possible, go inside until your body cools down.
5) Stay Informed
As we know, knowledge is power, and the same goes for staying safe in the heat. Stay informed of the weather. Most weather sources provide heat advisories to help people determine when it is safe to engage in outdoor activities. Additionally, ChildWatch is a great tool to help parents and educators communicate about daily activities to ensure children are properly prepared for the heat. Caretakers are also able to communicate any concerns they may have about keeping children hydrated, etc.
It’s still the beginning of the summer, and it is sure to get hotter, but that doesn’t have to put a damper on summer plans. Follow these tips to stay cool and safe while enjoying all of your summer fun!