INDIANAPOLIS — An intense heat wave is approaching and while that could sound miserable to some, others used it as an opportunity to find creative ways to stay cool.
"It's a very hot day. I feel like the hottest days are the best days," said one child playing at the splash pad.
Days that some feel are best spent outdoors playing basketball and running through the splash pad at Tarkington park.
"Indiana brought some Miami Heat whether. I'm really sweating like crazy. I haven't felt this type of heat since I was down south," said Andrew Rutues.
Hoosiers are gearing up this week to experience some of the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this summer.
"I'm trying to be in the house the whole time. It's going to be too hot. It's going to be scorching," said Fushia Roberts.
The temperatures were so warm that those outside the splash pad were just as drenched as those in it. If proper precautions are not taken this can lead to heat-related illnesses.
According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. That's why it's important to take steps to beat the heat. Steps like drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun and taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned locations can keep the games going uninterrupted.
"Before the sugary products most definitely a lot of water so I can hydrate naturally. I always walk inside the shade after each game so no heat strokes coming on me," Rutues said.
Dr. Cory Showalter works in pediatric care at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and says everyone needs to remember four key things:
- During summer heat waves, the emergency room sees more cases of heat exhaustion compared to heat stroke.
- "This is nausea vomiting, muscle cramps, acting tired or cranky. This is more common."
- The biggest worry is parents leaving their children in their cars.
- “This is a terrible situation and I really want people to be cautious with that, even opening windows and running into the store for a couple of minutes, your car can get to extraordinarily high temperatures.”
Take breaks if you are outdoors, at the pool or playing sports — but don't rely on your kid to tell you.
“You have to be the parent and schedule some break time. You know at the pool, schedule some time to get them out of the water, out of the sun, and in the shade. Reapply your sunblock. Give them plenty to drink.”
Signs of heat exhaustion
“One of the first things kids will say is their legs hurt or their muscles hurt. They might experience some nausea and vomiting, or they are not acting their usual self. You know, they may be extra cranky. They may be acting tired — that’s when it is time to stop. Get out of the sun. Get in the shade. Go home from the park.”
And if you add the sunscreen, you have everything you need to get you through this week.
"Once the cold comes y'all going to be wishing for this heat, so enjoy it while you got it," Rutues said.
If you need a place to cool down in the coming days, there will be cooling centers at all Indy Parks family centers. Those will be open during normal operating hours throughout the week.