With extreme heat gripping the region this week, families and summer camps are finding ways to stay cool while staying safe outdoors. At Cowley Playground this morning, dozens of kids, families, and a summer camp gathered at the splash pad to beat the heat. “I’m having fun at the waterpark,” said Tyere Risher, 8. “We got big bags. We’re splashing it to everyone, just making it lit,” said Daymier Ptomey-White, 13. Alicia George, executive director of the Schenley Heights Community Development Program, highlighted the importance of city resources during the heat wave. “It’s wonderful that we can take advantage of city opportunities like this and the City Parks and Recreation that open this up for camps,” George said. The summer camp plans to stay at the splash pad all week due to the high temperatures. “We were supposed to go to the zoo today, but it was too hot, so we just went here,” said Dylan Matthews, 11. George also emphasized the safety measures being taken to protect children from the heat. “Safety, you know, we’re in the heat here, so we come with our coolers of water and everything to make sure they’re safe,” she said. Elsewhere, ice cream shops were busy with people seeking relief from the heat. “Our most popular is the chocolate raspberry truffle. Chocolate is really popular. This time of year, key lime pie is really popular because it’s really a nice flavor to cool you down,” said Jerome Myron, owner of Bruster’s in McKees Rocks. While families are enjoying the summer weather, experts are urging caution. Allegheny County Emergency Services reported 12 heat-related calls this week. Dr. Brett Rau, ER medical director at Allegheny General Hospital, warned about the risks of overexertion in extreme heat. “If you’re overdoing it, if you’re overheated, it’s not gonna take very long for the signs to potentially develop into serious issues. We need to go to the emergency department,” Rau said. He stressed that younger children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. “People who are in the extremes of age, so very young and the elderly, are having a more difficult time regulating body temperature,” Rau said. “A small amount of time in a heat like this can change things very quickly for them,” he added. Signs of heat stroke include extreme fatigue, vomiting, and profuse sweating. If these symptoms occur, individuals are urged to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel

PITTSBURGH —

With extreme heat gripping the region this week, families and summer camps are finding ways to stay cool while staying safe outdoors.

At Cowley Playground this morning, dozens of kids, families, and a summer camp gathered at the splash pad to beat the heat.

“I’m having fun at the waterpark,” said Tyere Risher, 8.

“We got big bags. We’re splashing it to everyone, just making it lit,” said Daymier Ptomey-White, 13.

Alicia George, executive director of the Schenley Heights Community Development Program, highlighted the importance of city resources during the heat wave.

“It’s wonderful that we can take advantage of city opportunities like this and the City Parks and Recreation that open this up for camps,” George said.

The summer camp plans to stay at the splash pad all week due to the high temperatures.

“We were supposed to go to the zoo today, but it was too hot, so we just went here,” said Dylan Matthews, 11.

George also emphasized the safety measures being taken to protect children from the heat.

“Safety, you know, we’re in the heat here, so we come with our coolers of water and everything to make sure they’re safe,” she said.

Elsewhere, ice cream shops were busy with people seeking relief from the heat.

“Our most popular is the chocolate raspberry truffle. Chocolate is really popular. This time of year, key lime pie is really popular because it’s really a nice flavor to cool you down,” said Jerome Myron, owner of Bruster’s in McKees Rocks.

While families are enjoying the summer weather, experts are urging caution. Allegheny County Emergency Services reported 12 heat-related calls this week.

Dr. Brett Rau, ER medical director at Allegheny General Hospital, warned about the risks of overexertion in extreme heat.

“If you’re overdoing it, if you’re overheated, it’s not gonna take very long for the signs to potentially develop into serious issues. We need to go to the emergency department,” Rau said.

He stressed that younger children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures.

“People who are in the extremes of age, so very young and the elderly, are having a more difficult time regulating body temperature,” Rau said.

“A small amount of time in a heat like this can change things very quickly for them,” he added.

Signs of heat stroke include extreme fatigue, vomiting, and profuse sweating. If these symptoms occur, individuals are urged to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.

Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel