Las Vegas is known for its dazzling lights, entertainment, and the world-class Las Vegas Strip, but it is also known for its relentless, dry heat with temperatures reaching 100°F+. It is no surprise that heat exhaustion is a common concern for parents, especially when summer is the time to go out and play!
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, knowing how to avoid heat exhaustion during the hottest months of the year is key to preventing heat-related illnesses and a trip to urgent care or the ER.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is when your body overheats. Our core body temperature averages around 98.6 F (37 C), and it works 24/7 to regulate and maintain that temperature in hot weather or cold weather for optimal bodily function. In hot weather, we regulate our core temperature by sweating. But when your body becomes less efficient at cooling itself off, and overheats.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
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- Cool, damp skin with goosebumps
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling faint
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low-blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
Is My Kid At Risk?
While anyone can get heat illness, each person has their own sensitivity to the heat, even in the pediatric population. Infants and children younger than 4 are at higher risk of heat exhaustion. At these ages, their body’s ability to regulate temperature hasn’t fully developed.
What to Do If Your Child Has Heat Exhaustion
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- Get to a cooler place immediately: Preferably an air-conditioned indoor space.
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- Sip cool water slowly
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- Apply cool compresses: Wet a towel or cloth and place it on the neck, forehead, or wrists.
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- Lie down and rest: Elevate the legs if feeling faint.
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- Seek medical help: If symptoms don’t improve within an hour, or if your child is confused, vomiting, or loses consciousness, seek medical care immediately.
What Precautions Can I Take?
Image from Freepik
Be Aware of the Heat Index
Always watch out for the heat index outside. Starting at 80°F, the National Weather Service will issue a cautionary warning. At around 90-103°F, they will issue an extreme cautionary warning, and 103-124°F is classified as ‘Danger’. Now, for our Vegas locals and regular visitors, you know that Vegas can and will exceed those temperatures in the summer! Always pay attention to the temperature, and if it is too hot outside, it’s best to stay indoors.
Wear Loose and Light Clothing
Wear loose clothes and allow the body to breathe. Excessive and heavy clothing can prevent the body from cooling.
Drink Fluids
Staying hydrated helps the body sweat and cool off. Remind your kid to drink fluids regularly and remember to pack plenty for summer camp or school.
Never Leave Your Kid in a Parked Car
This is one of the most common causes of heat-related deaths in children. Temperatures in a parked car can increase by 20°F (11 °C) in 10 minutes. It is never safe to leave your child in a parked car, even with the windows opened or in shade.
Wear Sunscreen!
With a strong UV index in the Valley, sunscreen is a must to prevent sunburns. Having trouble picking a sunscreen? Check this helpful article here to learn about the best sunscreens for kids in 2025.
Schedule Activity During the Cooler Parts of the Day
Try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or evening (before 10 AM and after 4 PM) when temperatures are much cooler than during the day. Remind your children to drink plenty of fluids, and encourage them to take breaks to cool off.
The desert heat can be unforgiving, but with some smart planning and preparation, fun family summers don’t have to be spent indoors worrying about the risk of heat exhaustion. If you ever have concerns about heat exhaustion, visit one of our pediatric providers today!
Cover image from Freepik: By bearfotos
