Heat dangers for kids: What parents need to know as temperatures soar

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- As temperatures across Central Virginia climb, local health officials are sounding the alarm. Children are especially vulnerable in extreme heat, and what starts as a little sweat could turn into a medical emergency.

Henrico County Division of Fire Battalion Chief Doug Reynolds said heat-related illnesses in children can progress quickly, often before adults realize something is wrong. Unlike adults, kids do not always know how to recognize or communicate when they are overheating.

“The biggest danger with kids is they may get dizzy or just exhausted and want to plop down,” Reynolds explained. “That’s a big warning sign — you need to get them out of the heat.”

According to Reynolds, heat-related illnesses typically progress in three stages:

• Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs or hands.
• Heat exhaustion: The body begins to overheat and struggles to cool itself. Symptoms include excessive sweating, flushed skin, fatigue, and dizziness.
• Heat stroke: A life-threatening emergency in which the body shuts down its ability to sweat, leading to a dangerous spike in core temperature. This condition may include confusion, vomiting, or the child suddenly stopping sweating altogether.

In young children and toddlers — especially those who are still in diapers — signs of dehydration may be harder to detect. Reynolds says something as simple as a dry diaper after a few hours could indicate the child is falling behind on fluids.

“If it doesn’t feel like there’s anything in it,” he said, “you’ve got to remember... that infant or toddler may be dehydrated.”

Experts urge parents and caregivers to be proactive, not reactive.

“Children often don’t slow down until it’s too late,” Reynolds said. “They’ll go from 100 miles an hour to mopey — and that sudden change in behavior is a red flag.”

To stay safe during hot summer days, Reynolds recommends:

• Frequent hydration: Encourage kids to drink water often, even if they say they’re not thirsty.
• Shade and A/C breaks: Make time for regular rest periods out of the sun.
• Watch for mood and energy changes: A child becoming unusually quiet, tired, or irritable could signal overheating.
• Monitor bathroom habits: Less frequent urination or dry diapers in young children can indicate dehydration.

If a child appears confused, stops sweating or begins vomiting, Reynolds urges parents not to wait, and call 911 immediately.

“The earlier you catch it, the better the outcome,” he said.

As summer heats up across Virginia, officials are hoping awareness can help prevent serious health risks, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable.