As we deal with extremely high temperatures during this first week of summer, it’s a good reminder that children are at the highest risk for heat exhaustion and stroke.
Thursday we spoke with a doctor about the symptoms you need to look out for, and how summer camps are working to keep kids safe.
The summertime temperatures aren't the only things climbing to new heights. So are the kids at the YMCA summer camp in Cleveland.
“We normally try to get everything outdoors before 11 o’clock when it really just starts getting super hot," says camp counselor Joanna Estrada.
Even when kids are inside, Estrada says they take steps to make sure kids are hydrated and they're stocked up on sunscreen.
“It’s sunscreen and water all day long," says Estrada.
Reflection Riding's summer camp is also adapting to the heat.
“When we get to the afternoon when that heat is absurd. We have tons of water play lots of animal encounters, and of course, the kids favorite popsicles," says camp director Danielle Pope.
We also spoke to a Chattanooga doctor, Tobi Amosun, about how to keep children safe in this heat.
“Young kids in particular get dehydrated much more quickly than adults do. Young kids under the age of like four or five tend to get dehydrated quickly," says Dr. Amosun.
Dr. Amosun says there are some noticeable signs that indicate if you or your child is suffering from heat exhaustion.
According to the CDC the signs include dizziness, excessive sweating, muscle cramps and pale skin.
But this excessive heat could also lead to something more dangerous: a stroke.
Those signs include no sweating at all, red, hot skin, a headache, and a strong pulse.
“Frequent hydration and taking breaks, putting kids in the shade if you can, but also avoiding being outside at peak times between the hours of 10 and 2 are really important. Dress kids in cooled, light layers," says Dr. Amosun.
Dr. Amosun says heat affects children at a much faster rate, so on extremely hot days, the best thing to do is stay indoors.
Even when your kids are inside, be sure they take plenty of breaks and drink plenty of water when they're doing any kind of physical activity.