Playground safety in a heat advisory

Children can get second degree burns from the plastic materials on a playground that has been exposed to direct sunlight for several hours, not just the metal materials, according to Battalion Chief John Metz of the Columbia Fire Department.

Thursday, the temperature of a plastic slide at Stephens Lake park was 135 degrees.

There were not many people at the two park playgrounds. I talked to one babysitter who told me when she takes the child to the park, they do not stay outside for long. She also makes sure that it is safe enough to play.

In a heat advisory, it is possible for children to get heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention. In some cases it can even be fatal.

Some warning signs are increased thirst, weakness, fainting, vomiting and headaches.