INDIANAPOLIS — With a stretch of near-record heat in central Indiana this week, some Hoosiers are out enjoying their last days of summer.
At Tarkington Park, the courts, playground and splash pad were full of families Sunday.
"Well it's super hot, so we came out here to get cool in this splash pad," one kid said.
One group of friends spent the afternoon out on the basketball court, getting in one final summer game.
"It's beautiful here today, but it's hot," Deric Colbert said. "You know, sun's out and it's a bright day."
But it's only going to get hotter. This week, highs in central Indiana will be in the mid-90s with a heat index from 100-110 degrees. This streak means a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, so you'll want to make sure you stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks.
While heat safety is in the back of many people's minds, they say they're just glad to be outside with their neighbors.
"What else is better than being around family and having fun," Colbert said.
You still have one week to get to an Indy Parks splash pad. They will close for the season after Labor Day weekend. For a full list of splash pads in the city, you can visit this website.
Staying safe in high heat
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.”