Family Talk: Extreme Heat Warning In Effect for Five Boroughs

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for NYC, which includes all five boroughs, citing “dangerous levels of heat and humidity on tap for today.”

In effect until 8 p.m., the warning predicts temperatures will feel like 105 degrees or higher.

It is recommended that physically demanding activities, where at all possible, be moved to later times in the day.

While outdoors, the National Weather Service suggests wearing clothing that is loose fitting and light, along with drinking lots of water to avoid the risks of heat stroke or heat exhaustion (symptoms and first aid tips below).

As parents, we all know how hard it is to tell a kid that they can’t be outside for too long, especially on such a sunny summer day.

It is, however, gravely important to heed the warning to ensure children’s safety.

Using yourself as a gauge as to whether or not it is too hot outside may not always be the best practice. Safekids.org cites that “a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s body.”

That’s a pretty scary statistic, especially when thinking of those younger in age, who may not be able to express just how hot they are actually feeling.

Since there’s no great way to tell a child they can’t play outside on a hot summer Sunday, taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety is important before heading out.

Simple steps, such as having plenty of drinking water, wearing protective clothing, and limiting time out in the heat, will prove to help in getting the fun in and keeping the dangers out.

And, if you’re like me, brainstorming on some not-so-outdoors activities, a few good ones may include:

· Going to the movies: Monsters University, Despicable Me 2 and The Lone Ranger are out.

· Going to Barnes & Noble: Get started on that summer reading list early. Grade level practice books are also a great way to keep your kids on their toes.

· Grabbing an ice cream: A great way to get out of the house for a short period of time and cool off.

· Making it a movie afternoon: Instead of movie night, settle in and watch an old favorite with your go-to home movie snack picks.

Whatever your plans, take heed to the warning put out by the National Weather Service, and make it a fun and safe day.

Below is a list of heat stroke symptoms and first aid practices, as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Hallucinations
• Chills
• Throbbing headache
• High body temperature
• Confusion/dizziness
• Slurred speech

First Aid

• Call 911
• Move the person to a cool shaded area.
• Cool him/her using methods such as:

• Soaking their clothes with water.
• Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
• Fanning their body.

Below is a detailed list of heat exhaustion symptoms and first aid recommendations, as posted by the CDC.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness, confusion
• Nausea
• Clammy, moist skin
• Pale or flushed complexion
• Muscle cramps
• Slightly elevated body temperature
• Fast and shallow breathing

First Aid

• Have the person rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area.
• Have him/her drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
• Have him/her take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Find a NYC cooling center near you.