Blog: Heat Waves: Kids Can't Cope

Posted by: Torine Creppy at Jul 20, 2011 12:00 AM CDT

Keywords: Education

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Despite the fact that kids run around outside in the summer heat, seemingly unfazed, they cannot handle heat like adults can. They can overheat five times faster.

With heat waves making headlines, it's vitally important to remember that not just the elderly and pets are high-risk. More kids die of heat stroke (or hyperthermia, as it's technically called) than you think.

It's shocking, really. Already this year, 21 kids under the age of 9 have died in hot cars after being forgotten in the back seat or made their way into a hot unlocked vehicle.

Several minutes is all it takes.

On a 95-degree summer day, a car can warm up 20 degrees in ten minutes. This can be, and is, fatal.

If your child says he or she is hot (in or out of the car), they likely are. Their bodies' response to heat is dangerously immature.

Hyperthermia can affect children of any age. There are recorded deaths of children as old as 14 who were overcome by heat in a car.

Keep little ones cool this summer and spread the news. Tell your friends, family and babysitters. Kids are counting on you.

Learn More About How to Prevent Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia)

• Heat Stroke Prevention Safety Guide
• Help Us Get the Word Out

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