In dangerous heat, day cares limit children’s time outside

According to ABC17 News meteorologists, heat indices will hit dangerous levels Tuesday.

While the temperatures will be in the low to mid 90s, the heat index could hit well about 100 degrees.

Day care providers follow a system when dangerous temperatures set in.

Tiger Tots Child Development Center owner Paul Prevo said Tuesday that one hour of outdoor play for children is required unless prevented by weather but in these high temperatures, they’ll limit the outside play.

For 90-100 degrees, including heat indices, kids will probably be outside for no more than 15-minute intervals. For 100 degrees or more, there’s no outside time.

He said each child has a water bottle, and employees encourage frequent breaks for hydration. Everyone who works at Tiger Tots is also certified to spot signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Here are ways to tell the difference:

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are dizziness, excessive sweating and headache.

Symptoms of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, rapid pulse, vomiting, and NO sweating.

If the temperature gets into dangerous territory, Prevo said there are activities that kids can do inside and says Pinterest is a great place to find ideas for fun indoor activities.

Authorities with the Boone County Fire Protection District have told ABC17 News that children or pets should never be left in a car on a hot day because when temperatures hit higher than 86 degrees, the temperature inside of a car can reach upwards of 130 degrees.

Gov. Jay Nixon just signed House Bill 1649 into law last week. It established the Rescue the Forgotten Law. Basically it states that if a child is trapped or left in a car, someone can break into that car to save the child and be immune from any charges related to breaking into that car.