As extreme heat and record temperatures hit many parts of the United States, UNICEF USA has provided expert tips for caregivers to keep children and families protected, safe and healthy during heat waves.
Globally, 1 in 4 children are exposed to frequent heat waves. More countries are facing hotter days as climate change raises global temperatures. By 2050, almost every child in the world — nearly 2.2 billion children — will be exposed to frequent heat waves. As heat waves happen more and more, children's levels of exposure — and the health and safety risks involved — are only expected to increase.
TIPS: How can parents keep young children safe and healthy during a heat wave?
- Be aware and vigilant. Check the forecast, adapt plans accordingly and prepare for hot weather.
- Ensure children are hydrated and drinking plenty of water. Doctors advise caregivers to closely monitor water consumption and to encourage children to drink before they ask for it. Note, if they are asking for water, they are likely already dehydrated.
- Create cooler spaces and places for infants and children to play. Avoid the outdoors during the hottest periods of the day including midday and afternoon hours.
- Identify ways to limit physical activity or over-exertion.
UNICEF’s work to mitigate the harmful effects of heat waves.
- UNICEF works with governments and partners worldwide to develop and implement climate action plans — like establishing better heat alert systems.
- UNICEF also supports a range of efforts to adapt and/or mitigate climate impacts like heat waves on education, health and other critical systems that children rely on to survive and thrive.
- UNICEF also advocates for accelerated action by governments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, while also increasing funding for climate change adaptation measures.
To learn more about UNICEF's response to the global climate crisis, please visit:
https://www.unicefusa.org/
No comments:
Post a Comment