Heat: Health professionals can advise parents to take steps to prepare in advance to reduce the effects of extreme heat. Recommendations includewearing protective clothes (light-colored clothing, hats, sunglasses, SPF-lined), wearing sunscreen SPF > 30, (reapplying at least every two hours no matter the SPF rating and after swimming/sweating), avoiding outdoor activity during peak sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and seeking out shaded areas. Remind families to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and take breaks often. For pro-active counseling and targeted interventions, health professionals should also review a child’s medical record and medications to identify who may be at greater risk for heat-related illness.
Flooding: Key issues for habitability of an area impacted by flooding and/or hurricanes include restoration of drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, safe road conditions, removal of solid waste and debris, access to reliable electricity and replacement or renovation of flood damaged homes. Healthcare professionals should ask families if there is mold developing in their home after these events and counsel them on how to safely address it. Before children return, schools and outdoor play areas should be cleaned and ready for use. Children and teens and pregnant women should not be involved in clean-up efforts and should return after the area is cleaned up. Children, and those who are pregnant, should be the last groups to return to areas affected by flooding, hurricanes or other disaster areas. View more here.