WASHINGTON, D.C. — As temperatures soar across the DMV region, officials are sounding the alarm on heat safety during outdoor activities, emphasizing precautions to protect vulnerable populations.
In the midst of a sweltering heatwave, John McCarthy’s Homerun Baseball Camp in D.C. continues to operate, albeit with heightened awareness of the conditions. McCarthy, the camp’s director, stresses the importance of hydration and regular shade breaks to prevent heat-related illnesses among his young athletes.
“The key is ensuring they drink water in the morning and take shade breaks every three or four innings to cool down,” McCarthy explained to FOX 5. “Staying hydrated and finding shade are effective ways to beat the heat.”
However, not everyone finds relief indoors. McCarthy prefers cooling off his campers in the shade rather than retreating to air-conditioned spaces, cautioning that abrupt temperature changes indoors can be disruptive to the body’s adaptation to the heat.
The dangers of prolonged outdoor exposure were highlighted recently when a young boy suffered heat illness at an all-day soccer camp in Fairfax County. His mother, Joanna Graham, expressed concerns about the camp’s safety protocols and ultimately decided to withdraw him from the program.
“We were struggling with the intense heat, and we didn’t feel it was safe for him to continue without adequate relief options,” Graham told FOX 5. “It’s a risk we couldn’t take with his health.”
Meanwhile, at Eastern Market Splash Park on Capitol Hill, parents like Maria Vaquerano are taking extra precautions to safeguard their children from the heat.
“We’re ensuring they apply sunscreen, stay hydrated with plenty of water,” Vaquerano said.
Clint Osborn, head of D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, underscored the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat-related illness.
“Symptoms like lethargy, trouble breathing, headaches, nausea, and cessation of sweating are critical signs to watch for,” Osborn advised FOX 5. “Hydration and taking breaks in the shade are crucial. If symptoms worsen, seeking air-conditioned spaces or calling 911 is essential.”
As the region braces for potentially record-breaking temperatures, officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during outdoor activities.