Heat Safety

What is heat safety?

Heat safety is a vital part of avoiding heat injuries, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration during the summer. 

This is particularly important for children who are active in hot weather. Following a few simple heat safety tips can help your family avoid unpleasant symptoms and dangerous complications related to sizzling summer temperatures.

What are the symptoms of a heat injury?

Signs of heat exhaustion and other heat injuries to watch out for include:

• Muscle cramping
• Flushed skin
• Confusion
• Heavy sweating
• Being thirsty
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fast or weak pulse
• Elevated heart rate
• Body temperature of 101-104 degrees
• Hyperventilation (fast, deep breathing)

Seek rapid rehydration and medical attention at Nevada Pediatric Specialists if your child has signs of dehydration and a heat injury.

What are the risk factors for heat injuries?

Anyone can develop heat injuries, but the following factors may increase your child’s risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or dehydration:

• Exercising in a hot environment
• Not drinking enough water
• Strenuous exercise
• Playing sports outdoors in hot weather
• Wearing heavy protective sports gear in the heat
• Profuse sweating

Electrolyte imbalance is also a concern among children playing sports for long periods during the heat of the summer.

Which heat safety tips should I be aware of?

Following a few simple heat safety tips can help you and your family avoid heat injuries during the summer months. It’s vital to:

• Drink plenty of fluids (mainly water) while outdoors in the heat
• Stay in the shade instead of sunny areas when possible 
• Wear lightweight, protective clothing
• Use sunscreen
• Do outdoor activities or workouts early in the morning or at night when it’s less hot
• Take breaks from the heat by heading indoors or dipping in cool water periodically
• Avoid strenuous exercise in extreme heat
• Combine water with an electrolyte drink when sweating a lot or being in the heat for long periods
• Watch for the warning signs of a heat injury
• Cool your child’s body at the first sign of being overheated

Contact Nevada Pediatric Specialists if you have questions about your child’s well-being after heat exposure. 

Follow the heat safety tips above and schedule an appointment at Nevada Pediatric Specialists by phone or online at the first sign of a heat injury. Same-day appointments and walk-ins are available.