Under hot Arizona sun, any metal can become a burn risk for kids

PHOENIX — Water is a big potential danger for children during the summer in Arizona, but so is another common material that’s all around us.

It’s metal. You can find it on car buckles, playground equipment, even outside door handles. And it can cause serious problems.

“If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them,” said registered nurse Tracey Fejt, injury prevention coordinator at Cardon Children’s Medical Center. “Their skin is so much thinner than ours.”

She recommends testing anything metal before your children touch it — even playground equipment.

“Look for the (playgrounds) that are shaded,” she said. “Even if it’s shaded … test the playground equipment.”

Fejt also recommended making sure shoes are securely on little ones’ feet.

“Here, in Arizona, you can fry an egg on our asphalt or on our cement,” she said. “Kids running around barefooted — you don’t want that to happen.”

Experts recommend covering metal car seat or buckle parts during hot weather.

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