Students around the Valley are going back to school later this week. With scorching triple-digit temperatures forecasted for the next several days, one expert talks about how parents and teachers can help keep kids safe.
Hydration is key. But as many parents know, getting your child to drink enough water isn’t always easy — especially when you’re not there to remind them.
Jennifer Botsford is the bureau chief of environmental health at the Arizona Department of Health.
She says for kids ages 2 to 5, they should drink between two and eight cups per day.
"For older children and adults, we really recommend at least eight, eight ounce cups per day," she said.
She also says it's important for teachers to give students time to refill their water bottles.
"Kids need lots of reminders, so reminding them to keep their water bottles with them, to refill them. And especially if they are going to be outside, reminding them to take a sip every once in a while."
Botsford suggests holding off on outdoor activities until later in the evening when it typically cools off.
She also says parents, kids and teachers know the signs and symptoms of heat illness.
"So, the first signs could be heat rash; or muscle cramp; could be heavy sweating and as it progresses you'll start to feel cold, pale, clammy skin, a fast or weak pulse, you might feel nauseous, you could start vomiting, you could be tired."
