As summer approaches, children can play outside and enjoy the warm weather. The heat outside can make some products dangerous. Here are some important reminders to keep in mind when going out with your child this summer.

Never leave babies or young children alone in the car. A car can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and 40 degrees in an hour. This can lead to a heat stroke and damage the brain and other body organs, or death. Leaving your child in the car can be dangerous even on a cool day. While it could be 70 degrees outside, the inside of the car could ultimately get to 125 degrees.

Check the temperature of metal before heading up the slide ladder or jumping on metal play equipment. If metal slides, swings, monkey bars, and any other surface are hot to the touch, then they’re not safe to play on. Contact burns can occur within seconds. Read more playground safety tips here. Report unsafe playground equipment to SaferProducts.gov and go to CPSC.gov/Recalls to check for recalled equipment.

Take breaks. Limit time in direct sunlight. Look for shade or bring your own umbrella. The sun is strongest usually between 10am – 4pm. Cool your child off with a water mist or a cool bath. Find nearby buildings that have air-conditioning, such as libraries, when temperatures are extremely high. Before cooling off in the pool, check our page on drowning prevention.

Wear Sunscreen. UV rays can lead to painful burns and skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreens that are water-resistant are helpful when in swimming pools or at the beach. Have your kids wear sunglasses to protect their eyes as well.

We hope you and your families have a fun and safe summer!