Tips For Keeping Kids Safe In Oklahoma Heat

The heat index in Tulsa was 105 degrees Thursday; that means heat exhaustion can happen in a matter of minutes.

Experts say it’s important to prepare your kids for playing outside in order to keep them safe outdoors during the dangerous heat.

Splash pads are the place to be when it's hot, but that's not always enough. For the kids enjoying summer sports, experts say they need to start upping their water intake at least a week before.

Off and on throughout the day, the sun shines on kids at the TU soccer camp.

TU athletic trainer Ron Walker said they take breaks to beat the heat - sometimes every ten to 15 minutes.

"I think, what people don't recognize, the importance starts long before you go outside, especially with these kids," he said.

Walker said anybody planning to spend a lot of time outside should start drinking more water seven to 14 days before.

Parent Tammy McCartney said, "Water is key. I see kids outside drinking Gatorade, or soda and things like that, but I feel like they should be drinking tons of water."

The first sign that it's too hot can be a headache and muscle pains, then there's heat exhaustion, and, most severe, heat stroke.

Walker said, "It's absolutely a life-threatening situation, so they need to be cooled as rapidly as possible with ice packs or even a cold water emerging tank."

Kids will often get so caught up in play they don't realize just how exhausted they are, so adults should pay attention.

"When their cheeks are flush, and both of them normally have hats on. So when they start taking their hats off, that's another sign it's time to go," McCartney said.

Experts say stay away from sugary energy drinks, and it's best to restrict outdoor fun to before noon or after the sun goes down.