Keeping Kids Cool This Summer
The City of Boston is preparing for extreme heat this Summer
Hot weather affects infants and young children more than most adults. Heat's potential impacts on childhood health and development can be lifelong. All children should have the opportunity to safely play, learn, and thrive in summer, so it is critical to understand how heat affects children and what we can do to keep them safe.
You can find city-wide general resources on extreme heat here: boston.gov/heat. Look below for resources specific to protecting young children.
Extreme Heat and Early Childhood
‘Extreme Heat’ occurs when temperatures are above 90°F during the day and 78°F at night. Especially when it is also humid or lasts more than one day. It can be uncomfortable to stay indoors and sometimes unsafe to be active outside.
Infants and young children are impacted by extreme heat differently than adults because their smaller bodies heat up more quickly and they sweat less. They rely on adults to keep them cool and hydrated, and to look for signs of heat illness.
Action Plan for Educators
For childcare and early education providers, this action plan is a printable resource to help prepare your facility for a hot day.
Heat Guides for Parents
Neighborhood FlyersBoston Emergency Alerts
Signing up for Alert Boston is a great way for residents, businesses, and visitors to be notified in the event of an emergency. If the City of Boston declares an extreme heat event, you will receive a direct message via text, call, or email. You can sign up for alerts in 11 of the City of Boston's most-spoken languages.
MASS Save
Keeping indoor spaces cool is an effective way to keep kids cool during extreme heat. MassSave provides energy assessments, rebates, incentives, and training to make energy efficient updates to your home, which includes adding efficient cooling upgrades. This service is available to owners, renters, and businesses.
Visit MassSave.com/Boston and MassSave for Renters for more information.
