How to Keep Kids Safe During a Heatwave: A Guide for Parents and Providers

Young children benefit greatly from spending time outdoors. In fact, some experts recommend children spend at least three hours outdoors per day. 

It’s safe for children to play outdoors in almost all weather conditions except in extreme cold or heat. During a heatwave or periods of extreme heat, small children are more likely to get dehydrated and are less likely to notice the signs of a heat-related health issue. 

We’re breaking down how to keep kids safe during a heatwave and what to do to prevent them from overheating. 

Keeping kids cool in a heatwave

Trying to keep kids as cool as possible when the temperatures soar during a heatwave is essential. You may want to plan to stay inside, especially during the hottest points of the day. If you have to be outside, try to find shady spots to rest, stay hydrated and apply sunscreen as often as possible. 

• Air conditioning is key- If your home isn’t air-conditioned, places like local libraries, shopping malls, or community centers are good places to beat the heat with kids. 
• Find a water source- If you or someone you know have a pool; it’s great to spend some time cooling off in the water. You can also head to the beach, a lake, a public pool, or a splash pad. 
• Have a plan- If you live somewhere that frequently loses electricity, you may want to plan what to do if this happens. Some areas provide cooling stations in school gymnasiums or other large buildings for people who need to get out of the heat.
• Get creative- If you’re stuck indoors, arts and crafts, games, and sensory activities can keep everyone busy. You can also watch movies or discover new games on a tablet or smartphone.

Tips for keeping your home cool during a heatwave

• Keep your windows covered with curtains or shades. 
• Weatherstrip your doors and windows to keep heat out.
• Use an attic fan or ventilator to clear hot air out. 
• Insulate window air conditioners and fill any cracks to keep the heat out. 

Staying safe outdoors during a heatwave

If you cannot stay inside all day, there are still ways to keep children safe during periods of extreme heat. 

• Stay hydrated- It’s important to encourage your child to drink lots of water while they’re outside. Children are less likely to notice the signs of dehydration (or don’t want to stop playing to get water) and 
• Wear light colors and fabrics- White isn’t always an ideal color for small children, but it’s great during a heatwave. You’ll also want to choose light and airy fabrics instead of heavier ones. Loose-fitting clothing is a better choice and can keep kids cooler on hot days. 
• Get wet- Have a spray bottle or mister close by to provide some relief when children are feeling too hot outdoors. 
• Monitor your children for symptoms of a heat-related illness. They are less likely to recognize the signs themselves. 
• Never leave your child in the car by themselves for any length of time. The inside of a car can get very hot very quickly, even with the windows open. 

What are the signs of a heat-related illness?

Your pediatrician is always your go-to person if you have concerns about your child’s health. If you are worried about your child, it can’t help to give their doctor a call and see if they think it warrants a visit. 

In general, you’ll want to call your pediatrician or visit a local emergency room if your child shows any of the following symptoms after being outside during a heatwave:

• Feeling light-headed or extremely tired 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Fever
• Not urinating for many hours 
• Muscle aches or spasms
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin numbness or tingling

What can childcare providers do to prepare for a heatwave?

As a childcare provider, you may need to tweak your everyday routines during periods of extreme heat to keep everyone safe (including yourself!) It’s important to have a plan in place for what to do if the weather is severe and you are unable to go outside. 

• Keep parents informed- let parents know what your policies are around outside time during periods of extreme heat. Ask them for anything the children may need, like light-colored clothing or sunhats.
• Have an emergency plan- If you lose electricity or need to leave your building for any reason, know where you’ll bring the children to help keep everyone safe and cool. Make sure parents know the plan, and contact them to let them know what is happening. 
• Check the weather- The National Weather Service issues alerts when the weather is severe. If the heat index is too high, it isn’t safe for children to be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities- The hours between 11 am and 4 pm are the hottest of the day. Try doing outdoor activities outside of these hours. 
• Adapt your menu- You may want to avoid using the oven during a heatwave if it makes it hotter inside. 
• Check the heat of playground equipment like metal slides and swings.