Summer Safety Tips

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and well-deserved breaks—but for families caring for medically complex children, it also brings unique challenges. High temperatures, poor air quality, increased sun exposure, and the unpredictability of power outages can all pose risks for children with specialized medical needs.

Whether your child uses medical equipment, has limited mobility, or requires special feeding and hydration care, taking extra precautions during the summer is essential. The following tips are designed to help our client families navigate seasonal risks with confidence—so your child can stay safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible all summer long.

Heat & Air Quality: Medically complex children may have impaired thermoregulation, mobility restrictions, or be on medications that affect hydration and sweating.
•Limit outdoor time when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is over 100—especially for children with respiratory needs or tracheostomies.
•Avoid peak heat hours (2–7 PM) and watch for signs of overheating (flushed skin, rapid breathing, irritability).
•Use fans, cooling vests, and breathable clothing for children who are immobile or have heat-sensitive conditions.

Hydration & Nutrition: Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalance, especially in patients with G-tubes, seizure disorders, or who are nonverbal.
•Children with feeding tubes or seizure disorders are at higher risk of dehydration.
•Monitor urine output and color.
•Encourage regular fluid intake; G-tube-fed patients may require increased water.
•Watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, reduced urine output, or unusual fatigue.
•Ensure enteral feeds are not left out in the heat too long (risk of spoilage).

Sun and Insect Protection: Children with limited mobility may not be able to move away from direct sunlight.
•Use SPF 30+ sunscreen on all exposed skin; reapply every 2 hours.
•Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV umbrellas can help prevent burns—especially for kids who cannot reposition themselves.
•Be aware: some medications (e.g., anti-seizure drugs) increase sun sensitivity.
•Use pediatric-safe insect repellents to prevent bites, especially for immunocompromised children or those with open wounds or central lines.

Water Safety
•Children with tracheostomies, central lines, or mobility limitations need constant adult supervision near water.
•Avoid submerging G-tubes or ports in lakes or pools.
•Know the signs of secondary drowning, which can occur hours after water exposure (e.g., coughing, lethargy, breathing difficulty).

Power & Equipment Prep
•Have a backup power plan for ventilators, pumps, and suction machines.
•Register with the utility company’s medical necessity list to get priority restoration.
•Keep medical supplies and medications in cool, shaded areas—never in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
•Ensure wheelchairs, ventilators, and tubing aren’t overheating; inspect for heat-related wear and tear.