Summer Heat Safety Tips for Pets, Children, Adults and Seniors

Summers Here! Practice these summer heat safety tips for pets, children, adults and seniors. Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and more time outdoors. It also brings extreme heat. This can be dangerous if we’re not prepared. Pets, young children, and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable when temperatures climb. You are at home, out for a walk, or visiting a local farm or park. Here are practical tips to stay safe and cool during the hottest months.

Beware of Hot Surfaces, Pavement, Sand & More

When temperatures soar, the ground and surfaces heat up fast.

Hot surfaces, pavement, asphalt, and sand can cause serious burns to your body, bare feet and pet paws.

Do a quick hand-check by placing your hand on the surface. If it feels too hot or uncomfortable, then bare feet or paws should not walk on it. It is not safe for them to sit on it either.

Pet Safety in the Heat

NEVER leave pets in the car. Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise to deadly levels in minutes.

If you’re an outdoor exerciser go out during cooler hours. Early mornings and evenings are sometimes best.

Hydration is key. Make sure fresh, clean water is always available, especially after when outdoors or during playtime.

Have some shade havens.  I like to call them cooling retreats. If your pets are outdoors, make sure they have access to shaded areas. You can even add a portable fan. Never keep pets on or around surfaces that heat up quickly.

Child Heat Safety Tips

NEVER leave a child unattended in a vehicle.  Not even for a minute, NEVER. A child’s body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult.

Dress your children lightly. Choose light-colored, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats.

Keep hydrating often. Offer water regularly even if they say they’re not thirsty and keep lots of Popsicle's handy.  Popsicle's are a great source of hydration along with water when it’s hot.

Use child-safe sunscreen and take breaks from the sun. Limit outdoor play in direct sunlight and take breaks in shade.

Stick to shaded paths, grassy areas, and wear protective footwear like sandals for kids and booties for pets.

Adult and Senior Safety

Stay cool indoors with help from fans, but air conditioning is always best. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, maybe you can visit a library. Also try a senior center. Alternatively, consider going to a shopping mall during the heat of the day.

Find a shaded spot to enjoy the summer’s fresh air where you are outside. Stay out of direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Hydration is important, be sure to have fresh cool water with you and drink regularly.

You can call your local senior center. Check if transportation is available. They also offer cooling options if you are not sure of your options.

Dress for the weather. It’s always suggested to wear loose-fitting, light clothing and sun hats help prevent overheating.

If you are taking medication read your side effects. Some prescriptions can increase heat sensitivity. If you are unsure, you can check with your doctor or local pharmacist.

The buddy system, check in with each other. Stay in touch with family or friends. If you have an older neighbor, friend or family member living alone, give them a call and visit them. I recommend the buddy system throughout the entire year not just summer.

Bonus Summer Heat Safety Tips for Everyone

Get some battery-operated fans with spray bottles for use outside on those hot days. It’s a fun way to keep cool.

If you want to plan an outdoor activity, check the weather first. Make sure to have a shaded area for guests. Offer cooling options for guests as well.

Fill a cooler with ice and water.  Leave some hand towels in there to use as cool compresses. I like to wrap around the back or my neck or place it on my head.  They are also great for cooling pets and children.

Eating lots of hydrating snacks. Here are some of my favorite’s oranges, strawberries, celery, cucumbers and watermelon.

If you can avoid peak heat hours outdoors when surfaces are hottest.

Check the temperature of kiddie and portable pools, sometimes the water becomes hot.  Change them regularly with cool water.  Great way to give pets, little ones and even adults a cooling off.

Hot days are still fun if you practice summer heat safety tips for pets, children, adults and seniors. Keep cool, stay hydrated, protect your body feet and pets, and practice the buddy system, check in on one another. Let’s enjoy everything summer has to offer—safely.

Compliments of LeeAnn DeLeo, A Trusted Name in Real Estate
Broker, Blogger, Stagent® & REALTOR®
(203) 253-4567
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