Beat the Nevada Heat: 7 Tips to Keep Your Kids Cool and Safe This Summer
Las Vegas summers are no joke. With temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F, the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in children is real and serious. Children overheat faster than adults and are often too engaged in play to notice warning signs. Here’s how to keep them safe all summer.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heat exhaustion — the warning stage — includes heavy sweating, weakness, cool/pale/clammy skin, nausea, and headache. Heat stroke — a medical emergency — includes hot/dry/red skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and move the child to a cool environment.
7 Summer Heat Safety Tips
- Time outdoor activity carefully — avoid peak heat hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.); schedule outdoor play for early morning or evening
- Hydrate before, during, and after — don’t wait for thirst; offer water every 20 minutes during outdoor activity; avoid sugary drinks and soda
- Use sunscreen — apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside; reapply every 2 hours and after swimming
- Dress for the heat — light-colored, loose, breathable clothing; wide-brimmed hats for sun protection
- Never leave a child in a parked car — even with windows cracked, a car interior can reach deadly temperatures within minutes
- Take breaks in cool environments — schedule regular indoor cool-down periods, especially for young children and toddlers
- Watch infants especially carefully — babies cannot sweat efficiently and are at highest risk for heat illness
Heat illness concerns? Call our office at (702) 457-5437 or visit our sick visit page for guidance on when to come in vs. go to the ER.
