Since the weather is finally starting to catch up to us here in Phoenix, I thought it was particularly useful to remind all you parents about the danger of playground equipment that’s been in the sun. Now, obviously, anything that’s metal (such as railings or slides) is going to be quite dangerous, but even the high-density plastic stuff can reach temperatures as high as 130-150 with continuous sun exposure. Combined with the higher sensitivity of younger children’s skin, this can cause first and even second-degere burns. In fact, I’ve seen some pretty awful pictures of even a third-degree burn to a kids’ feet. So a kid might be crying and you won’t even realize it unless you’ve thought about this ahead of time, and it’s the youngest kids who don’t know enough even to get off the surface and so stay there being burned by it.
The general recommendation whenever you go to a playground (or even your back yard) is to check to see whether you can hold your hand on the surface while counting slowly to 5 without it becoming painful. Although shaded play areas are common in Phoenix, even structures in the shade can sometimes become too hot, so just pay attention. Obviously, the earlier in the day or later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t as direct are a little better. Mostly it’s just a matter of common sense and becoming aware of a possible danger you might not have considered, just like hot sand with bare feet. But one thing to keep in mind is that this story is actually from Virginia, not even written with the Valley’s unique heat issues in mind, and if they’re worried about this stuff….
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