Children and Heat: Protect Infants, Kids, and Teens
The Children and Heat: Protect Infants, Kids, and Teens fact sheet explains why all children, especially infants, toddlers, and youth athletes, are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. It highlights the physical and behavioral factors that make children more susceptible to extreme heat, such as smaller body mass, limited ability to regulate body temperature, and dependence on adults for hydration. Sections on the signs of heat illness outline what caregivers should watch for, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The resource suggests keeping infants out of hot environments, ensuring toddlers stay cool and hydrated during outdoor play, and modifying activity schedules for youth sports. It also advises that caregivers check local heat alerts, avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours, and seek cooling centers if indoor spaces become unsafe.
California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment