ASHEVILLE, NC. (WLOS) — As we enter into a week with unusually hot temperatures in the mountains, there are steps to take to keep yourself and children safe.
Doctor Heather Edgley works in the Pediatric ER at Mission Hospital.
She said with the heat temperature and the humidity both being high, everyone is at a much bigger risk of heat related injury, especially children.
Edgley said that’s because kids are not always able to express thirst or protect themselves from the heat.
While you should pay attention to how much your child is sweating, the bigger problem is when they stop sweating.
ASHEVILLE BRACES FOR DAYS-LONG HEAT WAVE WITH TEMPERATURES SOARING INTO THE 90S
“That means that they’re getting more dehydrated so watch for signs of being very dry, being lethargic, being confused, those are all signs of heat stroke,” Edgley said.
If you’re not participating in outdoor activities but still driving around, make sure to always cool your car off before putting a child in it.
“Children are not going to be able to tell you if they’re hot, that they’re feeling overheated so cool the car off first and foremost before you put a child in,” she said.
Edgley said to remember car seats with metal buckles can burn a child and leather seats can be very hot on their skin.
Also, never leave a child unattended in a car.
News 13 spoke with a mom, Tori Litz, on Monday morning who took her kids to a splash zone to cool off.
Litz said during the summer they try to do a lot of water play and always wear hats and sunscreen.
WEATHER WARN DAYS AHEAD: WNC AND UPSTATE BRACE FOR FIRST MAJOR HEAT WAVE OF 2025
She said with these high temperatures not being common in the mountains it can be challenging with kids.
“Especially when you have a baby with all these rolls because she gets so sweaty and we have to do a lot more baths at night because of all the sunscreen and sweat,” she said.
Edgley said to remember if you’re outside sweating, you’re losing fluid.
“For everybody, adults and children I would recommend wide brim hats, lots of shade breaks, lots and lots of fluid, taking breaks every 30 minutes if you were directly in the sun to be sure that you’re hydrating,” Edgley said.
She said it may be time to get medical help if someone has been outside and starts to become sleepy, confused or unable to express themselves as those are signs that someone is experiencing heat stroke.
As we go through the next few days of severe heat, Edgley said to pay attention to when it’s going to be the hottest and stay indoors when possible.
————————————————
