The heat is coming in hot! While the summer of ’24 was a scorcher, guess what? Experts say 2025 may bring the heat even more. The American Red Cross of Tennessee wants you to be ready — and they’re sharing three super-simple summer safety tips to help keep your crew safe:
1. Drink Up!
You might not feel thirsty chasing the kids around, but your body still needs water. Aim for a cup of water every hour (yes, every hour). Skip the soda, energy drinks, and wine spritzers for now — they actually make things worse in the heat.
2. Stay Cool
Got AC? Awesome. Make sure it’s working before the heat hits. If your home turns into a sauna, head to the mall, library, or a local cooling center for a break.
3. Check In
Touch base with grandparents, neighbors, and friends — especially if they’re older, pregnant, or dealing with health stuff. Oh, and don’t forget the pets: water bowls filled, shady spots ready, and definitely no car naps!
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
We all get cranky fast in the heat — but signs like dizziness, confusion, or nausea are red flags. Learn what heat exhaustion and heat stroke look like (hint: the Red Cross First Aid app can help with that!).
Prep for a Power Outage
No power + no AC = a whole lot of sweat. Charge up devices, keep meds cool, and have a plan for where to go if things get really hot. Pro parents tip: make a “heat wave go-bag” with snacks, water, chargers, and a few small toys.
Outdoor Time? Shift It.
If you or your kids are athletes (or you’re doing yard work or coaching), plan around the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Take water breaks. Find shade. Keep the pets inside during peak hours too.
Final To-Do’s:
Download these two, free apps:
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Red Cross First Aid App (just in case!)
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Emergency App for real-time heat alerts
(Search “American Red Cross” in your app store — content available in English and Spanish)
You’ve got this! With a little planning, you and your family can beat the heat and stay cool all summer long.
AVOID THESE SUMMER SAFETY SLIP UPS!
SLIP UP!
Leaving Kids in the Car
Each year, more than 30 children die from heat stroke after being left unattended in cars. With the heat index rising, it’s a good time to revisit car safety.
“It’s really tough to imagine that a child could be forgotten in a car, but it happens, and it can happen to anyone, especially if there is a change in a daily routine,” says Purnima Unni, MPH, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Program Manager at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “Households have been juggling so much over the past few months while at home; life is full of distractions and keeping track of where your children are is more important than ever,” she adds. In Tennessee, it is illegal to leave your child unattended in a car
SLIP UP!
Riding Without a Helmet
Tennessee law requires helmets for all children younger than 16 when bike riding. Tell that to your kids the next time they balk at your request to wear a helmet. Helmets reduce head injuries from bike accidents by up to 80 percent. Use helmets that meet safety standards (see cpsc.gov), and make sure they’re securely fastened when worn.
SLIP UP!
Unsupervised Swimmers
It’s easy to just think that another parent is on pool duty during a summer backyard party, or even when a child is invited over to a friend’s house to swim. Only a few unsupervised minutes in water can be deadly for a young child. Assign a supervisor — a certified lifeguard or an adult — to be on official duty for pool parties — and without a phone. If your child is invited to swim at a friend’s pool, be sure you know who’s supervising. Pool owners: Keep rescue equipment — a shepherd’s hook and life preserver — nearby.
More tips:
—Dump water from baby pools when done for the day.
—Make sure gates are closed on your home pool at all times.
—Tell your kids to ALWAYS swim with a buddy, never alone.
— Supervising kids swimming means NOT being distracted. If
you’re supervising, then supervise.
SLIP UP!
Skipping Sunscreen
Only 15 minutes in the sun means exposure to ultraviolet rays, yet time and time again kids come home with sunburns. The problem is, repeated sunburns in childhood can lead to skin cancer in adulthood. Skin damage builds up over time starting with the very first sunburn as a child and the more you burn over time, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Cover your kids with SPF 30 sunscreen in the morning before heading outside. Teach older kids how to reapply sunscreen if you’re not going to be with them. If you are with them, reapply sunscreen after swimming. Fun tip: use sunscreen to make shapes on your child so they won’t fuss about the time it takes to apply sunscreen. You can also use a foundation brush to paint sunscreen on your child’s face.
Discover Great Things to Do for Summer!
