The Junior Age

Category: Education

Heat Wave Safety Tips to Keep Children Safe: A Complete Guide for Parents

When summer temperatures spike during a heat wave, children are among the most vulnerable. Their bodies don’t regulate heat as efficiently as adults, putting them at higher risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. As a parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure their safety during extreme heat.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most important heat wave safety tips to protect children and help them stay cool, hydrated, and healthy through even the hottest days of summer.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Heat?

Children’s bodies produce more heat relative to their size and don’t sweat as effectively as adults, which limits their ability to cool down naturally. They also may not recognize the early signs of overheating or know how to express discomfort. That’s why it’s essential for adults to monitor their environment and behavior closely.

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Top Heat Wave Safety Tips for Children

1. Keep Children Hydrated at All Times

Children should drink water consistently throughout the day—not just when they feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up quickly, especially when kids are playing or running around in the heat.

  • Offer water frequently

  • Avoid sugary drinks, sodas, or caffeinated beverages

Provide fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges for extra hydration

2. Limit Outdoor Play During Peak Hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or later in the evening.

If your child must be outside:

  • Ensure regular breaks in the shade

  • Use cooling towels or portable fans

  • Watch closely for signs of overheating

3. Dress Kids for the Weather

Choose lightweight, breathable, and light-colored clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton are ideal as they allow air to circulate.

  • Use wide-brimmed hats to protect from direct sun

     

  • Sunglasses with UV protection shield sensitive eyes

     

  • Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every two hours

4. Never Leave Children in Parked Cars

A vehicle can become dangerously hot in minutes—even if the windows are cracked. The interior temperature of a car can soar to over 120°F (49°C) in less than 10 minutes, putting children at immediate risk of heat stroke.

Always:

  • Double-check the backseat before locking your car

     

  • Use reminders like a diaper bag or purse in the front seat

     

  • Ask your child’s daycare or school to call if your child doesn’t show up

5. Recognize Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses

Knowing the early warning signs can prevent more serious issues.

Watch for:

  • Excessive sweating or clammy skin

  • Dizziness or confusion

  • Headaches or nausea

  • Rapid pulse or shallow breathing

If your child shows any signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, offer fluids, and apply cool compresses. If symptoms worsen or your child becomes unresponsive, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

6. Use Water Activities to Stay Cool

Let kids enjoy supervised water play to help regulate body temperature.

Options include:

  • Kiddie pools

     

  • Sprinklers

     

  • Water balloons or misting fans

     

  • Always supervise children around water, no matter the depth.

7. Create a Cool Indoor Environment

Make your home a refuge from the heat:

  • Use blackout curtains to block out sun

  • Run ceiling fans or portable cooling units

  • Keep activities low-key to avoid overheating indoors

If air conditioning isn’t available, consider spending time in public places like libraries, shopping malls, or community cooling centers.

8. Adjust Sleepwear and Bedding

At night, ensure kids are dressed lightly and use breathable sheets.

Tips for cooler sleep:

  • Let them sleep in lightweight cotton pajamas

     

  • Keep windows open if it’s cooler outside (and safe)

     

  • Use fans or air coolers to circulate air

Safety Starts With Awareness

Children depend on adults to recognize danger and take steps to keep them safe. Heat waves can be dangerous, but with preparation, awareness, and the right safety measures, your child can enjoy the summer safely.

Being proactive—especially during extreme heat alerts—can prevent serious health issues and give you peace of mind.

Also read Understanding Heat Waves : Everything You Need To Know

Everything You Need To Know About Navroze: The Persian New Year

Navroze, also known as the Persian New Year, is a vibrant and ancient festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. It marks the arrival of spring and is observed in countries like Iran, India, Pakistan, and many parts of Central Asia. The festival usually falls on March 20th or 21st, symbolizing a fresh start and the end of winter.

With roots dating back over 3,000 years in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), Navroze is a celebration of nature, life, and renewal. It is a time to reflect on the past, welcome the future, and, most importantly, to celebrate the changing of the seasons with joy and festivities.

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The Significance of the Haft-Seen Table

One of the most iconic traditions associated with Navroze is the Haft-Seen table. This table is decorated with seven symbolic items that all begin with the Persian letter “S.” Each of these items represents a different blessing for the upcoming year, such as health, wealth, and happiness. The seven items placed on the Haft-Seen table include:

  1. Sabzeh (sprouts) – Symbolizing rebirth and growth.
  2. Samanu (a sweet pudding) – Representing strength and power.
  3. Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) – Symbolizing love and compassion.
  4. Seer (garlic) – For health and protection.
  5. Seeb (apple) – Representing beauty and good health.
  6. Somāq (sumac berries) – Symbolizing the sunrise, patience, and the triumph of good over evil.
  7. Serkeh (vinegar) – For wisdom and aging.

These items not only represent wishes for the new year but also hold deep cultural and spiritual meanings for those who celebrate Navroze.

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Food and Festivities: A Taste of Navroze

No celebration is complete without food, and Navroze is no exception! This festival is a time for people to indulge in delicious dishes, particularly sweets like baklava and other pastries, which are enjoyed by families and friends during gatherings. In addition to sweets, rice-based dishes such as Sabzi Polo Mahi (herbed rice with fish) are commonly served.

Navroze is also a time for community celebrations. People come together to share meals, dance, sing, and enjoy each other’s company. The festivities are filled with traditional music, folk dances, and cultural performances that bring everyone into the spirit of renewal and joy.

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A Time for Renewal and Reflection

The word “Navroze” translates to “new day,” and the festival celebrates the arrival of a new season. It is not just a day of merriment but also a time for personal reflection. As people gather around the Haft-Seen table, they take a moment to reflect on the past year, cherish the blessings they’ve received, and set positive intentions for the year ahead. It is a beautiful reminder to embrace change and start a new.

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Global Celebration of Navroze

Though Navroze has its origins in Persia, today, it is celebrated by people from various cultural backgrounds across the globe. Whether in Iran, India, Pakistan, or Central Asia, the core message of Navroze remains the same: a celebration of life, renewal, and hope. The festival brings people together, bridging cultures and communities through shared traditions and joyous celebrations.

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Navroze is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life itself. As we celebrate this ancient tradition, we honor the arrival of spring, the season of growth, and the opportunity for new beginnings. Whether you’re setting up your Haft-Seen table, sharing meals with loved ones, or simply reflecting on the past year, Navroze reminds us to embrace change, welcome new opportunities, and celebrate the beauty of life.

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Glowing Birds: Birds-Of-Paradise

Scientists just discovered that many of them have feathers that glow! This superpower is called biofluorescence. That means they can absorb light (especially blue or UV light) and then shoot it back out as a different colour, like green or yellow-green. Think of it like a built-in highlighter.

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Scientists discovered that 37 out of 45 species of birds-of-paradise absorb UV or blue light and then emit light at lower frequencies. Basically, these birds are even flashier than we thought! They use glowing feathers as a way to show off, attract mates, and maybe even blend in. Scientists think that these birds can see this glow really well, as their eyes match the wavelengths of the glow. It just goes to show, nature is full of surprises! This study was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

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Para Swimmer Jiya Rai Conquers The World!

Get ready to be inspired! Jiya Rai, a 17-year-old swimmer from Mumbai, is making waves (literally!) all over the world. She has just won the World Open Water Swimming Association Award (“WOWSA”), which is like the Oscars for open water swimming! What makes Jiya Rai so amazing? Well, she’s a para swimmer, meaning she has a disability – Autism Spectrum Disorder. But that doesn’t stop her! She’s also the youngest female para swimmer ever to swim across the English Channel all by herself! That’s a 34-kilometer swim, which took her over 17 hours! She’s not just stopping there!

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Jiya Rai is on a mission to swim across all the oceans! She’s already swam across the Palk Strait, and even swam 1,100 km from Mumbai to Goa as part of a relay team. Jiya Rai is the first Indian to receive the WOWSA Award, and people all over India are celebrating her amazing achievements. She’s won many of medals, and even got awards from the President of India and Prime Minister Modi. Jiya Rai proves that with hard work and determination, anything is possible!

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Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. Think of it like having a brain that works differently. Autism isn’t an illness; it’s just a different way of thinking and being. With the right support and understanding, people with autism can live happy and successful lives!

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PM Launches A War Against Obesity 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is super serious about tackling obesity, which is a big health problem in India, especially among kids. He has mentioned that according to the World Health Organization’s data, in 2022, around 250 crore people were overweight globally. Further, according to the latest survey conducted by the National Family Health Survey, a quarter of Indian adults are now obese. Obesity can lead to some not-so-fun stuff like heart problems and even make you feel down. To fight this, Prime Minister Nardendra Modi has put together a team of famous people – like actors, sports stars, and business leaders.

 

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Think of it like assembling an “Anti-Obesity Squad!“. He’s asked them to spread the word about eating healthy and cutting down on oily foods. Their mission? To get everyone thinking about what they eat and how much oil they’re using. The Indian Prime Minister has even suggested cutting down on oil consumption by 10%. Each of these famous people are also picking ten more people to join the team. It’s like a chain reaction to get everyone involved! They’re using social media to share tips on exercise and healthy eating. One of the team members even mentioned that being active and eating well can make you feel better, both physically and mentally!

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The Prime Minister has said that he loves eating Makhanas, which is a super food!

What can you and your parents do to combat obesity?

According to leading experts in the country, everyone should consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and sugars. Children should engage in regular physical activity. They should engage in physical activity or outdoor play for at least 60 minutes daily, and reduce screen time. Sufficient sleep and consistent bedtime routine also support a healthy lifestyle.

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PM’s Anti-Obesity Squad

  • Omar Abdullah 
  • Anand Mahindra 
  • R Madhavan 
  • Dinesh Lal | Yadav Nirahua 
  • Mohan Lal 
  • Manu Bhaker 
  • Mirabai Chanu 
  • Nandan Nilekani 
  • Shreya Ghoshal 
  • Sudha Murty

Word Check 

Obesity is when someone has too much body fat. It’s not just about how you look; it’s a serious health issue that can affect how your body works. Think of it like having too much fuel in a car – it can make the car run less efficiently and might even cause problems over time.

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