TAMPA, Fla. -- It has been another sizzling summer and with only a few more weeks left before kids head back to school, they'll be trying to soak up every bit. However, it's not all fun and games -- too much heat can be dangerous.
- Too much heat can be dangerous for kids
- Not just exhaustion or dehydration
- Kids can get broken bones, sprains, scrapes
An estimated 50 kids an hour during the summer end up being treated at their local ER, and not for exhaustion or dehydration, but for injuries that happen when kids are worn out from the heat, like broken bones, sprain, and scrapes. The more activity, the more injuries, and kids may not notice the signs.
Being outside in the heat, even if you drink enough water can be very tiring.
Tampa Parks Department runs several summer camps and Rec manager John Allen said the city limits time outdoors for kids in the summer, which actually encourages parents to let their kids play inside, especially if they are looking tired or run down.
"We train our staff to do that, to watch out for that, to make sure they get enough water, to make sure they are only out for a certain amount of time, and get back inside, you know, that kind of thing, to make sure they stay safe," Allen said.
The time of the day kids spend outside makes a difference too. Early in the morning and early evening are usually better than in the middle of the day, when most of the time temperatures are 90 or above.