Issued: Jul 12, 2023 (4:45pm EDT)

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Don't Let Your Children Be Hurt by Upcoming Extreme Heat

Millions of Americans will feel record high temperatures this week as a large heat wave sweeps across the southern U.S. During this time and throughout the summer months, parents, caregivers and communities must be extra careful to ensure children are protected from these extreme heat conditions. 

 

Yesterday, the White House announced new measures to protect communities from extreme heat. Learn more by reading: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Action to Protect Communities from Extreme Heat Fueled by the Climate Crisis.

Children and Pregnant People are Extra Sensitive 

Compared to adults, children spend more time outdoors, running, swimming, playing games and sports that expose them to high temperatures. Their bodies' natural defenses and abilities to regulate heat are still developing, so the consequences of extreme heat can occur quickly, last longer and be more severe. 

 

Like children, people who are pregnant are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exposure has been linked with low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth in the United States. Pregnant people should follow the same tips as children, listed below. 

What to Do When Temperatures Rise

Start with Prevention

• Keep children inside or out of direct sun;
• Move outdoor activities indoors or to the morning and evening instead of mid-day;
• Dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing; and
• Practice sun safety including seeking shade, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and avoiding burns.

Keep Hydrated

Children are more likely to become dehydrated than adults because they can lose fluid more quickly. Make sure children are drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after periods of time in extreme heat.

 

Recognize Heat Illnesses

Signs of heat illness or heat exhaustion can include:

• Flushed skin, 
• Dizziness, 
• Headache, or fatigue; and
• Weakness or muscle cramps.

Many of these symptoms can be treated at home with fluids and rest. If these symptoms are ignored, heatstroke can develop. Heatstroke symptoms include:

• Hot, flushed skin; 
• Rapid, strong pulse;
• High fever, little to no sweating; and 
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness. 

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional attention. Children aren't always in tune with their bodies to know when to take breaks, so it's vital for adults to look out for these signs.

 

Remember, never leave children alone in a parked car, even with open windows. 

More Resources

EPA Resources:

• Protecting Children's Health During and After Natural Disasters: Extreme Heat 
• Protecting Children from Extreme Heat, a perspective from an EPA Employee 
• Reduce Heat Islands and Cool Your Community Social Media Kit 

Partner Resources:

• Heat and Infants and Children (CDC)
• Heat Safety for Kids and Teens (National Weather Service) 
• Extreme Heat Safety for babies (Español: Cuidados en los Días de Calor Extremo para bebés) (PEHSUs)
• Extreme Heat Safety for children (Español: Cuidados en los Días de Calor Extremo para niños) (PEHSUs)
• Extreme Heat Safety during pregnancy (Español: Cuidados en los Días de Calor Extremo durante el embarazo) (PEHSUs)
• Extreme Heat Safety for athletes (Español: Cuidados en los Días de Calor Extremo para atletas) (PEHSUs)

 

Note, today July 12, 2023, EPA.gov is experiencing intermittent outages, and some of our web content may not be available. We are working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue. 

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