Four Ways to Keep Kids Safe on California Playgrounds

California is arguably one of the best states in the country in terms of being able to play on the playground on any given day. With mild-to-hot temperatures throughout the state, California is a state that has the perfect sort of weather for taking kids to play on any of the playground equipment California has to offer. For parents, however, the following phrase rings true: with great weather comes great responsibility. This is because, in California, hot, dry weather is certainly not unheard of, and as a result, it behooves parents of small children to consider the various ways in which hot weather could affect their children. In fact, California had a record-setting heat wave as recently as July 2021, and with the added presence of wildfires in California, it’s more vital than ever for parents to keep kids safe and out of excessive heat.

1. Check air quality levels before leaving to go play outside

Heat and humidity aren’t the only areas of interest or concern for parents in California; especially during wildfire season, air quality should be closely monitored for those who wish to take their children to the playground equipment Los Angeles CA has to offer. One of the most reliable ways to measure outdoor air quality is to visit Air Now. On this site, one can find air quality levels for nearly every major area in the state of California, which should come in handy during these hot, summer months.

2. Make sure children are acclimated to heat

In addition to monitoring air quality, it’s important to not immediately put children in a situation where they could potentially suffer from heat stroke. While some children are used to the heat, others are not, so it’s important to pay attention to a child’s reactions to hot weather, and to make sure that kids especially susceptible to heat-related illness don’t have issues when playing outside in hot weather.

3. Never leave children in a parked car

One of the most common causes of heat-related deaths in children is leaving them in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked, or if the car is in shade, it’s still very unsafe to leave a child in the car when hot weather abounds. When parked in the sunlight near the various playground equipment California has to offer, your car’s temperature can increase by up to 20 degrees fahrenheit. For these reasons, whenever visiting playground equipment in los angeles ca, it’s vital to ensure that children aren’t left unattended in the car, as doing so could compound the risk of heat-related illness in kids.

4. Pay special attention if children are increased risk

For some kids, certain medications increase the risk of heat-related issues when playing outside. Therefore, it’s crucial to take note if and when your kids display symptoms of heat stroke or other illnesses. Especially when kids participate in strenuous activities or sporting events on any of the playground equipment southern California has to offer, the risk of hot weather-related problems is ever present. If your kids are taking part in a sporting event, consider making sure there are medical services available within a reasonable distance, in case one or more kids face heat-related medical issues while at play.

5. Find protection from harmful UV rays during play

California, particularly the southern part of the state, is known well for it’s weather. It stays sunny and warm throughout most of the year. This makes the area a haven for outdoor activities and recreational areas. This includes playgrounds of course, which are numerous in Southern California. While the consistent weather permits play nearly everyday, it can also get quite hot. It is important to protect children at play from harmful UV rays and other harmful effects of hot weather. It is vital to implement climate appropriate equipment on playgrounds. This can include swings and play systems with attached shades, as well as water play features and covered seating areas.