Classroom Without AC Cools Off at Elm Creek Park Reserve
The northwest suburbs continue to ride the weather roller coaster. According to New Hope weather watcher Steve Reckers, last month was the coldest and snowiest April on record.
This month is just the opposite. We’re on track for the hottest May, ever. In fact, we’ve had six straight days of 90s in May, also a record, according to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen.
Beating the Heat at Elm Creek Park Reserve
There were plenty of people at Elm Creek Park Reserve play area trying to cool off. Students from Clear Springs Elementary in Minnetonka needed to get out of their hot classrooms.
“Ninety percent of the classrooms do not have air conditioning,” said Clear Springs first-grade teacher Andy Lundheim.
Lundheim says personal comfort is compromised when his students have to sit in a hot classroom.
“Work paper sticks to your skin, foreheads are dripping wet,” said Lundheim.
The children also wore light colored clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect them from the intense rays.
Heat Health Concerns
Playing in the hot sun can be a lot of fun, but it can also be downright dangerous. Hennepin County Medical Clinic in Golden Valley has seen cases where extreme heat has caused serious medical problems in children.
“With heat exhaustion, you’re going to see increased heart rate, you’re going to see lots of sweating,” said Natalie Ikeman, a physician assistant at HCMC in Golden Valley.
But a heat stroke is more serious.
“They’re going to start mumbling, or not talking very clearly and they might even become unconscious,” explained Ikeman.
Ikeman also says by the time a person is thirsty, it’s too late. They’re already dehydrated. She suggests drinking something like Gatorade and get into a cool environment. Meanwhile, the students playing at elm creek have their own unique way of beating the heat. The students filled their hats up with water before putting them on their heads.
