(NC) Summer brings a sense of freedom for kids and the chance for everyone to enjoy nice weather and fun activities. But it can also bring the risk of extreme heat.

Extreme heat, and heat related illnesses, are especially dangerous for infants and young children.

Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of the hands, feet and ankles), heat rash (prickly heat) and heat cramps (muscle cramps). They are mainly caused by overexposure to heat or overexertion in the heat, and if not prevented, can lead to long-term health problems and even death.

Children most at risk include those with breathing difficulties (asthma), heart conditions, kidney problems, mental and physical disabilities, developmental disorders, diarrhea and those who take certain medications.

Consult with your family doctor or pharmacist to find out if your child’s medication increases their risk of heat-related illnesses.

• Tune in regularly to local weather forecasts and alerts, so you know when to take extra care.
• If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly before the hot weather starts. Otherwise, find an air-conditioned spot near you that you can use to cool off during extreme heat.
• Learn about ways to keep your home cool during the summer and plan for the future. For example, if you live in a house, plant trees on the side where the sun hits the house during the hottest part of the day.
• If you see any of these signs during extreme heat, immediately move the child to a cool place and give water.

Never leave children alone in a parked vehicle. Even on cooler days when the outside temperatures are moderate, the temperature inside a vehicle can be dangerously hot.

By planning ahead now, you can help keep yourself and your family better protected during extreme heat and enjoy a safer summer. You can learn more at canada.ca/heat.