Family Heat Wave Survival: How to Keep Everyone Safe in Scorching Temperatures

The planet is hotter than ever (again!) this summer and scorching temps are more than uncomfortable — they’re dangerous. Heat is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. Worldwide, each day seems to bring a new heat warning, with Italy banning outdoor work during the hottest hours. Despite the oppressive heat, visitors continue to flock to national parks and hiking trails with sometimes deadly results — despite warnings about heat exhaustion and sun exposure.

Whether you’re kicking it by the pool or going deaf from the mind-numbing hum of a million fans (that’s me!), we’ve identified the top risk to everyone in your circle — and the must-know tips you need to stay cool and safe as temperatures continue to climb.

Babies can overheat more quickly than adults due to their size, immature sweat glands, and slower adjustment to temperature changes. A hot car accelerates the process and sharply increases the risk of death.

• If you’re in an area under a heat warning or advisory, it’s best to keep the baby inside where it’s cool and air-conditioned. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting a nearby shopping center, movie theater, library, or other public place where you can stay cool.
• Don’t overdress the baby — they don’t need a sweater or blanket (or socks!) when it’s 90 degrees outside. If it’s over 75, your baby will probably be just fine in a onesie or other lightweight outfit.
• Keep the baby hydrated. If your baby is breastfed, they may naturally nurse more when it’s hot, so don’t worry about sticking to a schedule. You can supplement with sterilized water for babies who are on solids or those using formula.
• If you go outside, stick to the shade and limit your outside time if it’s extra hot or humid.
• Protect the baby from the sun. On top of sunscreen, deck out your baby for safety in the sun with a floppy, wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses.
• Be extra diligent if you take the baby out in the car. Double-check the backseat before you head into the store, and don’t leave them alone in the car even if you’re only running in and out.

Get a car seat alarm to avoid leaving a baby in the car.
What to do if you see a baby left alone in a car.

Sizzling summer temps don’t always slow down youngsters who love to have fun in the sun. Kids may not recognize signs of heat exhaustion or sunburn, so adults and caregivers need to be extra diligent.

• Limit time outside and sun exposure. If you go to the pool or beach, intersperse time in the water with breaks in the shade (or inside in air conditioning). Plan fun activities or hydrating snacks to make break time as much fun as splashing around is. Switching every 30 minutes or so will help keep core body temps from rising too high.
• Sunscreen everybody up — and set a timer to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours (or before heading back out after break time).
• Dress kids in light colors and lightweight fabrics. Loose-fitting clothes are typically cooler, and don’t forget to add sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim.
• Stay hydrated. Have cool water handy and encourage your kids to take a sip often.

Get more tips to keep kids safe in the pool or at the lake.

Animals are at high risk of heat stroke during extreme temperatures. Pets with short noses, thick coats, extra weight, or breathing problems have the highest risk. Signs of heat stroke in your pet include:

• Heavy panting that doesn’t calm down with rest
• Gums that are brick red in color
• Fast pulse
• Lethargy or inability to get up

• Limit exercise. During hot weather, keep walks and other outside adventures to early morning or later evening when things are cooler.
• Protect paws. Don’t walk your dog on hot pavement or cement that can burn your four-legged buddy. Stick to the grass if you have to take them out.
• Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water both inside and outside.
• Don’t leave pets in the car. Pets are as vulnerable as babies to the extreme heat inside cars. If you can’t take them with you to run into the store, drop them off at home and come back.

Older adults don’t adapt as easily as younger people to extreme temperatures — plus medical conditions and prescription meds can make them more vulnerable as well.

• Stay inside in air conditioning as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department or NCHH for cooling centers near you.
• Avoid using the stove or oven — it will make your home even hotter.
• Drink more water than normal to stay hydrated. If you have medications or doctor's orders to limit fluid intake, reach out to them to find out how much you should drink in extreme heat.
• Wear cool, loose-fitting clothing. Take off socks if you start to feel too warm.
• If you start to feel too warm, take a cool shower or bath to cool down. If you need assistance to bathe, schedule extra visits from caregivers and helpers.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check in on you, and see if you can return the favor for one of your friends or neighbors.

Alice Morrison is an expert in hiking in extreme conditions, having completed the Marathon des Sables and lived in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. She recently shared her expert insights on staying safe in extreme heat in The Independent. 

"If you have an underlying health condition that might compromise your circulation, it’s not advisable to go hiking in the intense heat. Yet even if you are healthy, there are still risks," Morrison said in her article. 

"One of the dangers of hiking in the heat is that it can bring on heatstroke. This is when the body can’t control its own temperature – sweating fails, and the body can’t cool down," she continued. "This happens surprisingly quickly. Within 10–15 minutes, your body temperature can be out of control. In the most severe cases, you can suffer organ failure and cardiovascular collapse."

Morrison also warns of dehydration, more intense UV radiation exposure at higher elevations, and choosing the wrong time of day to hike (during the hottest hours, usually between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.). Read below for our tips to hike safely when it's hot outside.

It doesn’t look like the heat is leaving anytime soon, so stay diligent during these dog days of summer. Check local and national resources for heat warnings and advisories, drink plenty of water, and identify some air-conditioned places you can hang out in if you don’t have it at home.

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