As summer temperatures rise, many parents opt to keep their children indoors, believing it’s the safer choice. However, extreme heat can pose serious risks for kids, even within the walls of your home.
Recently, in Calgary, Canada, a mother named Laura Greene made the decision to keep her one-year-old son Max and her three-year-old daughter Mia inside to avoid the sweltering heat. After some playtime, Mia went to her room for a nap. When Laura checked on her 90 minutes later, she found her daughter unresponsive.
“She was drenched in sweat, her skin was flushed, and she simply wouldn’t wake up,” Laura recounted to local news. Alarmed, she realized that Mia’s room felt excessively warm. She immediately called for emergency assistance. When the paramedics arrived, they measured Mia’s temperature at a staggering 104°F, with the room registering a blistering 122°F. The little girl was suffering from heatstroke.
Fortunately, the paramedics were able to revive her by giving her sugar to elevate her blood sugar levels. “It took about 15 minutes to bring her around,” Laura said. “We were incredibly fortunate. She was just moments away from serious harm.”
Disturbed by the incident but relieved that her daughter was okay, Laura took to social media to share her experience and raise awareness about the dangers of indoor heatstroke. “This is a clear reminder that kids can get heatstroke even when they’re not outside,” she emphasized. She explained that Mia had gone to her room for a nap without Laura knowing how warm it had become. “I had no idea how hot it was in there until I found her, all sweaty and red, unable to wake up.”
Laura’s home lacks air conditioning, and temperatures in her area usually stay below 80°F. On that fateful day, she had opened the windows for ventilation and drawn the curtains to block the sun, thinking she was taking precautions. However, the paramedics informed her that without a fan circulating the air, it was akin to leaving a child in a hot car. “It’s not something you’d expect to happen in your child’s bedroom,” she reflected. “I kept questioning myself—‘Why did I let her nap alone?’”
When temperatures soar above 90°F, simply staying inside may not be enough to shield you from heat-related illnesses—even with fans running. The CDC warns that while electric fans can offer comfort, they do not prevent heat-related health issues in extreme temperatures. Instead, they suggest finding a cool bath or air-conditioned space. Visiting a local library or spending time in a mall can provide temporary relief from the heat. And when it comes to meals, it’s best to keep the stove off, giving you a perfect excuse to order takeout.
Mia has since fully recovered, but Laura remains acutely aware of how close they came to a tragic outcome. “I’m still shaken, and I can’t help but think about what might have happened if I hadn’t checked on her,” she expressed.
Laura hopes that her experience serves as a cautionary tale for other parents. “Please, check the rooms in your home because they can be as hazardous as a hot car.” For more insights on similar topics, check out our post on indoor heat safety or visit Make A Mom for authoritative information.
Summary
A mother shares her alarming experience of her daughter nearly suffering from heatstroke while napping indoors during a heatwave. Despite taking precautions, the child’s bedroom became dangerously hot. This incident serves as a critical reminder for parents to regularly check their children’s rooms during extreme heat to prevent serious health risks.