As California enters the warmer summer months, it’s important for families to pay close attention to the health and well-being of their children. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) would like everyone to know some tips on how to keep children and infants safe during high temperatures.
When traveling or playing outside with kids, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Weather and Alerts
- Sign up for local emergency alerts that will send you messages during an emergency.
- Check the temperature before deciding to go outdoors.
- Do not go outside during peak heat hours, as this exposes children to high temperatures and UV rays.
- Beat the heat at local cooling centers.
Wearing Proper Clothing and Sunscreen
When outdoors with children or infants, wearing the proper clothing is crucial.
- Wearing light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing can stop heat from being trapped in the clothes.
- Wearing sunscreen and reapplying as directed is also a great way to keep children and infants safe from over sun exposure and sunburns.
Hydration
- Keeping children hydrated by having access to water and non-sugary drinks while playing outside.
- When playing outside in the summer, keep a water bottle or reusable bottle with you and locate water or drinking fountains.
Children in the Car
- Never leave children alone in a car because they could become seriously ill or die.
- Temperatures in a car can become 20 degrees hotter than outside the car.
Let’s keep our families safe during this warmer weather.
Additional Summer Heat Safety Tips:
Resource Hub – Listos California
CDPH Extreme Heat Guidance for Schools (ca.gov)
Heat and Infants and Children | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC