How hot is too hot?

Well, what a weird summer here in Edmond so far, huh? After a rather violent and tragic storm season in May, we've launched into a summer that can only be termed "mild" after the past few summers, when record-breaking 100 degree-plus temperatures became the norm.

In fact, just this week we've been treated to highs of (gasp!) 76 degrees and rain that would have made even Noah batten down the hatches. I love the temperature (refreshing), my electric bill (record-breaking lows on that account), and the rain (even though the baby stands at the window and laments "buuuuubbbbbles!!!"). But I know we'll have our penance to pay soon enough for such a mild break.

As the temperatures rise and I again get out the sunscreen, ball caps, and turtle sprinkler, I find myself wondering, "How hot is too hot?" I've got small children, and even though we do have a fail-safe method for staying indoors during the hottest part of the day (a.k.a., naptime), when it climbs to over 100--probably by next week--I'd better keep safety at the forefront of my mind.

So, here's a few methods for keeping the kiddos safe during the "dog days" of the summer.

Heat AND humidity should be considered. We all have great little phone apps now that keep us up-to-date on temperature and humidity. According to daycare.com, 100-degree temperatures combined with humidity below 50 percent are not as concerning when those temperatures are combined with higher humidity. As always, watching children closely and following your instincts is never a bad thing. Better inside than sorry!

Have the right gear. Then again, just because it's climbing toward 90 or even 100, going outside isn't completely out of the question. JohnsonBaby.com had some good tips for beating the heat that seem like common sense, but are good to remember: dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing, stick to shaded areas (where the temperature may be considerably less), bring a spray bottle of water for a quick cool down, and for goodness sake, use sunscreen!

Do NOT leave your child in the car. I'm so paranoid, I don't even close the automatic doors on the minivan until I'm buckled in. That way, if I keel over for some strange reason, surely someone in the parking lot will notice the open car doors and assist my kids. Crazy? Yes. But I'm a mom. Crazy is just part of the job description. And that leads me to...

I repeat, better inside than sorry. According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the major causes of weather-related deaths. Your child may experience heat differently from you. According to an article on ivillage.com, babies and children sweat less, heat-up faster, and have faster metabolisms than adults, all which contribute to heating up quicker. Watch for flushed faces and keep everyone hydrated, and if you're feeling hot, it's possible your kid is hotter. Just remember, if it really is too warm to be outside and you're feeling housebound, Quail Springs Mall, Bouncin' Craze, Unpluggits, Artic Edge Ice Arena, and many other Edmond and north OKC locations have great indoor fun--no sunglasses required.