Want to keep your child safe during an intense heat wave? These are signs of heat illness

Heat is by far the deadliest weather-related cause of death in the United States, and as a historic heat wave settles into the western U.S. this week, heat-conscious decisions are more important than ever.

Temperatures throughout the Puget Sound, including in Olympia, reached the high 90s earlier this week and will remain in the mid 80s for the remainder of the week. Temperatures in Tacoma and Bellingham are expected to fluctuate between the high 70s and and low 80s through Sunday. Areas of eastern Washington, such as the Tri-Cities , reached 109 degree this week and will continue experiencing temperatures that exceed 100 degrees for the remainder of the week.

Scorching hot temperatures swept through the entire state of Washington which prompted the National Weather Service to issue an heat warning throughout northwest and west central Washington. The warning, which will remain in place until Wednesday afternoon for Tacoma warns of “very warm conditions” that “will pose a moderate risk of heat-related illness.” The NWS also issued an excessive heat warning for Tri-Cities that will remain in effect until Wednesday night.

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to heat-related illness and death. Based on data from 1998 to 2022 , an average of 38 children die per year from heatstroke. Additionally, more than 9,000 high school athletes are treated for heat-related illnesses every year, according to Scientific American .

As the heat moves in, what are the risks to children, how can they be avoided, and how can heat-related illnesses be identified?

Why are children at risk from heat?

One of the primary reasons that children are more at risk than adults of heat-related illnesses is because they have a smaller cardiovascular output and a higher metabolic rate than adults, according to the federal government’s HEAT.gov resource .

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, children’s bodies can warm 3-5 times faster than adults and sweat less.

The fact that children playing sports outside often ignore the signs of heat-sickness, according to Climate Central, puts children especially at risk.

According to Climate Central, high levels of heat in children can even impact their ability and concentration to learn. This is because their cognitive functions tend to slow down in hotter temperatures.

What are the signs of heat-related illness?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , heat stroke kicks in when the body cannot control its temperature and its sweating mechanism fails. This can result in body temperature rising as high as 106 degrees within 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat stroke can result in death or permanent disability if not immediately treated.

“People should be mindful to always have a place to cool off. Make sure if you go out or travel, have something to drink,” National Weather Service meteorologist Les Colin told the Idaho Statesman.

The Weather Service tweeted tips on avoiding heat exhaustion and stroke and the next step to alleviate the issue.

Heat exhaustion

• Dizziness

• Thirst

• Heavy sweating

• Nausea

• Weakness

What to do: Move to a cooler area, loosen clothing and sip on cool water. Seek medical help if the symptoms don’t improve because heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

Heat stroke

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Becoming unconscious

What to do: Move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing, remove any extra layers, and cool with water or ice.