Heat will greet more than 760,000 Alabama public school children over the next few weeks

HAMILTON, Ala. (WBRC) - The start of the new school year is days away with some school districts starting back the first week of August.

As you know, it’s hot during those first few weeks of school in Alabama, so we wanted to share tips to help keep your children safe during those days.

Hundreds of thousands of school children are gearing up for school and the return to the classroom.

That means many of them will board school buses that don’t have air conditioning units. Many more will stand at the bus stop in the heat and humidity waiting for the bus.

Hamilton Fire Chief Matt McCracken said now is the time to start thinking ahead about the heat and not waiting until the morning of.

The main things to remember are making sure your child has water for school and make sure they’re dressing appropriately.

“Hydration is the number one thing we would recommend people do, hydrate before school, hydrate during school and hydrate when you’re coming in from school. Also, dressing for success is extremely important - light weight, loose weight, bright-colored clothing and sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for a long time. That’s very important as well and if you’re going to be outside, use a wide-brimmed hat as well,” said Chief McCracken.

McCracken strongly recommends children stay away from carbonated, sugary drinks as well.

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