Summer festivals and fireworks displays are often held from evening into the night, which leads people to mistakenly think, "There's no sunlight, so heatstroke won't be an issue."
However, even at night, if the temperature and humidity are high, there is a possibility of getting heat stroke.
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to the heat and cannot easily communicate when they are feeling unwell, so special care is required.

🎆 Why the risk of heat stroke increases at summer festivals

Heatstroke does not occur simply because the temperature is high.
Even at night when the sun is gone, the body may not be able to release enough heat in environments such as the following:
🔸High temperature and humidity
Light wind
Heat remains in roads and buildings that were heated during the day.
Many people gather and the wind doesn't blow through easily
It is recommended to determine the risk of heat stroke using the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), an index of heat that combines not only temperature, but also humidity, solar radiation/radiant heat, and wind.

🤱 Pay special attention to baby carriers and strollers

Baby carrier

Inside a baby carrier, the bodies of the baby and the adult are in close contact, so heat and moisture easily get trapped.
Check not only the face, but also the neck and back, and check for sweat and heat.

🛒 Stroller

Strollers have seats that are close to the ground, making them more susceptible to the heat near the ground surface.
At night, the reflection of direct sunlight weakens, but heat remains in the asphalt and buildings that were warmed during the day.
Also, since your back presses firmly against the seat, please check whether heat and moisture are trapped.

🌡️ Is there little to worry about if the temperature is 23-25°C?

At temperatures of 23 to 25°C, the risk of heat stroke is lower than on days exceeding 30°C, but there is no clear standard for what temperature is considered "safe."
The risk changes depending on humidity, wind, crowds, level of activity, clothing, and the status of hydration and breaks.
Check not only the temperature, but also the WBGT and the children's condition for the day.

The Ministry of the Environment explains that because strollers and small children are close to the ground, they are more susceptible to heat from the road surface than adults.

🥤 Prevention methods at summer festivals

🧃 Drink water before departure

Drink water before leaving, not just after arriving at the festival.
Give them small amounts frequently before they feel thirsty.
For normal short outings, water or tea is fine.
When sweating heavily or spending a long time in a hot place, beverages containing salt may be suitable.

🏠 Take an early break in a cool place

Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned facilities or well-ventilated areas.
Please also check their facial expression, mood, amount of sweat, and the warmth of their neck and back from time to time.

🚨 When there are dangerous signs

🚨 When there are dangerous signs

In the following cases, immediately move to a cool place to cool your body, and consider calling an ambulance or consulting a medical institution.
Strange reaction to being called
Unconscious
🔸I'm having spasms
🔸Cannot walk straight
🔸Unable to drink water on one's own
🔸No improvement even after cooling and resting
If consciousness or responsiveness is abnormal, do not force oral intake, as there is a risk of aspiration.

🌻 Just because it's nighttime doesn't mean you're safe

Night festivals combine conditions such as a lack of sunlight with high humidity, crowds, heat trapped on the pavement, increased activity levels, and dehydration.
Do not judge safety solely by the temperature; check the WBGT heat index for the day as well.

For more information, please refer to the Akita Medical Broadcast:

👧Lost child prevention measures for infants and toddlers: Preparation before departure and what to do if you get separatedWarning
In a crowd, you can get separated if you take your eyes off each other even for a moment.
It summarizes things to prepare before departure and what to do if you get lost.

🍧 At what age can children eat festival food?
Food poisoning isn't the only thing to watch out for at street food stalls.
Here is how to choose and serve foods to prevent burns, choking, and food allergies.

References

1. Ministry of the Environment. Ministry of the Environment Heat Illness Prevention Information Site. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and heat illness prevention information.
2．環境省．熱中症環境保健マニュアル．子ども、ベビーカーおよび地表面付近の暑熱環境に関する解説．
3．厚生労働省．熱中症を防ぎましょう．暑さを避ける、こまめに休憩する、水分を補給する等の予防行動．
4．こども家庭庁．みんなで見守り「こどもの熱中症」を防ぎましょう！
5．Otani S, Funaki Ishizu S, Masumoto T, Amano H, Kurozawa Y. The Effect of Minimum and Maximum Air Temperatures in the Summer on Heat Stroke in Japan: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(4):1632.