HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — With kids out of school for the summer, many parents are planning outdoor activities for the family, but as temperatures rise, a popular spot can become dangerous.
Many families choose to go to the park early in the morning or as the sun goes down in the evening. Not only is the heat more tolerable during that time, conditions are safer.
During the hottest parts of the day, playground equipment heats up, reaching temperatures high enough to burn a child’s skin. Equipment at playgrounds across Madison County measured above 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday.
“Anything that’s too hot for you is too hot for kids,” said Dr. Wes Stubblefield, the Alabama Department of Public Health District Medical Officer.
Stubblefield said you should check the temperature of the playground equipment before children use it. If it burns the palm of your hand, it is too hot for a child’s bare skin.
“In the middle of the day when it’s very sunny, even if the outside temperature is not that high, surfaces can still get very hot,” Stubblefield said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, parents should stick to playgrounds with sun shades if they plan to visit between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During those times, the sun’s UV rays are strongest.
Every member of the family needs to make sure to take frequent breaks. Stubblefield said to listen to your body.
“You know, if you start feeling weak or tired, maybe it’s time to go inside, cool your body down, and get some fluids,” Stubblefield said.
Nausea, headache and excessive sweating can all be signs of heat exhaustion. Stubblefield recommends you hydrate before going outside, while in the middle of physical activity and after you go back inside.
