How to keep kids safe in Florida’s summer heat

Tampa, St. Petersburg and other nearby cities are seeing their warmest average temperatures to date. And children are more vulnerable to heat illness, especially athletes and those who spend a lot of time outdoors, according to the World Health Organization.

While Florida has strict regulations around high school sports and heat precautions, there’s no oversight for informal summer activities, like summer camps or sports leagues.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for and prevent heat illness.

When is it too hot for kids to go outside?

The hottest hours of the day are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., said Cheryl Holder, executive director for Florida Clinicians for Climate Action. When the heat index — what the temperature feels like when adding humidity — is over 90 degrees, she said outdoor play should be limited to under an hour at a time, and kids should be monitored closely.

The WetBulb Globe Temperature, a tool developed by the U.S. military that’s now used by some workplaces and sports associations, measures how heat affects humans by taking into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover. It was developed by the U.S. military in the 1950s and is now used by some workplaces and sports associations.

Chris Uejio, a professor of geography and public health at Florida State University, said there’s at least one hour every day in Florida during the summer where the WetBulb Globe Temperature is so high that it’s recommended to not go outside.

What are signs of heat exhaustion?

Signs of heat exhaustion include tiredness or dizziness, flushed skin, excessive sweating, nausea, muscle cramps and headache, said Judy Schaechter, a public health professor at the University of Miami and former president and CEO of the American Board of Pediatrics.

She said it’s important to pay attention to these signs because heat exhaustion can quickly move to heat stroke.

What are signs of heat stroke?

Heat stroke, which occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature, is a life-threatening emergency. Schaechter said signs of heat stroke can include confusion, loss of consciousness, high body temperature and hot, dry skin.

If a person has heat stroke, call 911. They need to be cooled immediately and monitored in a medical setting.

What are the best ways to prevent heat illness?

When there’s high humidity, sweat is less likely to evaporate, which does not cool the body, Schaechter said. Fans help ventilate air movement and cool off skin.

It’s important to make sure there is shade covering available for kids involved in sports or outdoor activities.

“The difference between shade and sun is remarkable,” Schaechter said.

Feeling thirsty is a sign that someone is already dehydrated, she added, so hydrate before, during and after sports.

Schaechter recommends speaking with your kid’s pediatrician before they engage in summer outdoor activities, as those with chronic conditions may be more at risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and National Weather Service have more information and tips on their websites.