child heat injury prevention
In Excessive Colorado Heat, Keep a Close Eye on the Kids
Any excessive heat source can cause injuries. Hot working environments, heat from fires or other heating sources, and especially the hot summer sun can all create a risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, burns, and other heat-related injuries and illnesses. Although any person or pet can be hurt by the heat, children are at a special risk for heat harm.
Kids’ developing bodies are still working on effective ways to manage internal temperature. When heat rises, a child’s body may not be able to cool itself as effectively as an adult’s body can. Children also have a much higher ratio of body surface to mass and are generally smaller, meaning their bodies absorb heat more effectively.