Preparing for Summer Heat

This information comes courtesy of the El Dorado County Public Health Preparedness & Response program.

Keep children healthy and safe during the hot weather of summer.
Infants and children are particularly susceptible to the heat and their health may be compromised when the temperature rises.

• Stay hydrated- Offer children cool, non-sugary beverages throughout the day, even before they ask.
• Dress children in loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. 
• Ensure that your air conditioning system is maintained and gets any service it may need after not being used throughout the winter. 
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
• Heat can make children feel more tired. Plan for more rest time than usual. 
• Prepare an area outside, if possible, where the children can safely play in cool water.
• Use sunscreen on children. 
• Provide children hats and sunglasses.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible.
• Make sure any play equipment is not too hot for children to be on if it has been in the sun.
• Have a plan to keep cool should the power go out.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness (dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke) in children. Signs may include, but are not limited to: faintness, extreme tiredness, headache, fever, intense thirst, nausea/vomiting, breathing faster or deeper than normal. 

Have a great summer and keep cool!