The heat is on, what you need to know

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – Daycare worker Hallie Stien says that when heat increases like this it is hard to keep the little ones cool and calm.

“If it feels hotter than that then we can’t take them outside at all, so we just have to stay inside.

Stien says they try and come up with creative ways to keep the kids having fun and staying healthy during the weather but also still try to find ways where they can play outside.

“Unless we have a water day which we did have a water day today, so they got to go play in some splash pads today and stuff which was cool,” she said.

Stien says that it is difficult for everyone to remain happy in closed doors with the sun shining outside.

“So inconvenient because I have 10 two year olds in my class and so whenever we have to stay inside in the afternoon because it’s so hot,” said Stien. “It makes it so difficult because they are so full of energy. They’ve just woken up from a nap. They are ready to go run around and be outside and we have to keep them inside in the room and it’s just miserable for all of us. We are not having a good time we are just trying to find anything to keep us busy.”

Ann Vastmans is the Regional Communication Manager for the Red Cross Region in Missouri and Arkansas. Vastmans gives her input on some activities that you should try and stay away from when it’s this hot out.

“Very high dangerous heat indexes so we are advising everyone to stay inside limit the amount of time they are spending outdoors,” said Vastmans. “Don’t do any strenuous activities outdoors like gardening or things like that. If you do have to be outdoors especially for those people who work outside that they are taking frequent breaks where they can go into an air-conditioned area to cool down.”

Vastmans gives some helpful hints for you to keep in mind during the summer and overall staying hydrated is a must.

“Make sure people are staying hydrated that they are drinking plenty of fluids,” she said. “That they are eating fruits and veggies that are refreshing like cucumber and watermelon can help with that and make sure you are wearing light weight clothing to keep cool.”