Summer is in full swing, and temperatures are on the rise. Follow these tips to keep yourself and others safe.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Drink more water.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Wear sunscreen. Reapply often.
• Reduce your activity as the heat increases. Try walking instead of running. 
• Take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings for outdoor activities such as cutting the grass. 
• Limit sun exposure during the middle of the day (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

EXTENDED PERIODS OUTDOORS

More than sixty minutes of intense activity, especially in the heat and humidity, can deplete your energy, electrolyte and fluid reserves. Enjoy a cold sports drink in addition to water. Or, if you prefer, have a few salty pretzels to replenish the salt loss from sweating.

THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN, PETS 

Be sure to check regularly on elderly neighbors, children and those suffering with chronic medical conditions. They may be more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Never, ever leave a child in a parked car. When it is 90 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can climb to 150 degrees in just 15-20 minutes. 

Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows slightly open. Pets maintain a higher body temperature than humans and can't cool down as efficiently.

Y COOLING CENTERS

Find an air-conditioned place to cool off. When the National Weather Service has issued and Excessive Heat Warning for the Kansas City area, we open our Y centers to the community during the hottest part of the day and serve as Cooling Centers from 1-4 p.m. For a list of Y centers go to KansasCityYMCA.org/Locations. For additional cooling centers, call the United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 2-1-1 hotline.

SAFETY IN Y PROGRAMS

All outdoor Y sports programs have a protocol in place to monitor temperatures and activities to keep participants and families safe. As you head out to your Y activity, remember to bring plenty of cold water and wear sunscreen.

Additionally, our Head Start programs have procedures in place to remind parents never to leave children in their cars. 

For more information on warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, the CDC website is an excellent resource. Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay informed.