As summer approaches, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) offers resources to ensure residents stay safe and well supported during the warmer months. Here are some safety tips that can keep the community safe:
- Stay Cool and Hydrated
- Stay Inside during Peak Heat: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day
- Hydrate Regularly: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Recognize Heat-Related Illnesses: Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating
Wear Light Clothing: Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing in light colors
The Department of Community and Human Services reminds parents and caregivers that leaving a child unattended in a hot car can be deadly. Experts note that temperatures can rise as much as 19 degrees in an enclosed car within 10 minutes. Over time, and even when the outside air temperature is only 70 degrees, the interior of a car can reach 125 degrees. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to hot temperatures because their body temperatures rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, which can cause serious injury to the brain, liver and kidneys, and result in death.
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, NOT even for a minute or with the windows down.
- Engage your child or baby by singing songs or talking to her/him while driving – this will help you remember to focus on your child.
- Do not be distracted by using your cell phone while your child is in the car.
- Make sure that all children leave the vehicle with you when you reach your destination – don’t forget sleeping infants (parents and caregivers should always count heads twice to make sure all children have exited the vehicle before leaving).
- Give yourself a reminder. Get in the habit of placing your purse, briefcase or other important items in the back seat next to your child’s car seat to help you remember to check the back before leaving the car.
- Be particularly mindful on days when there is a change in routine or schedule. For example, if one spouse is dropping the child at day care on the way to work when typically, the other spouse does. Or, if there was a holiday mid-week and you are returning to work the next day.
- Purchase new technological devices that can signal when your child has been left in the vehicle.
- If you see a child or pet left unattended in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.
- Have a plan for your childcare provider to call you if your child does not arrive at school or a childcare site within 10 to 15 minutes of your usual time.
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, NOT even for a minute or with the windows down.
- Engage your child or baby by singing songs or talking to her/him while driving – this will help you remember to focus on your child.
- Do not be distracted by using your cell phone while your child is in the car.
- Make sure that all children leave the vehicle with you when you reach your destination – don’t forget sleeping infants (parents and caregivers should always count heads twice to make sure all children have exited the vehicle before leaving).
- Give yourself a reminder. Get into the habit of placing your purse, briefcase or other important items in the back seat next to your child’s car seat to help you remember to check the back before leaving the car.
- Be particularly mindful on days when there is a change in routine or schedule. For example, if one spouse is dropping the child at day care on the way to work when typically, the other spouse does. Or, if there was a holiday mid-week and you are returning to work the next day.
For more detailed information on heat safety, visit The City of Alexandria’s Heat Safety page and The City of Alexandria’s Adult & Aging Services page.
- Utilize Cooling Centers
- If your home lacks adequate cooling, the City provides several cooling centers:
- Recreation Centers: Facilities like the Charles Houston and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers offer air-conditioned spaces.
- Libraries: Branches such as the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library are available for residents seeking relief from the heat.
For a full list of cooling center locations and hours, refer to the Seasonal and Emergency Warming and Cooling Options.
- Child Supervision and Care
With schools out for the summer, ensuring proper child supervision is crucial:
- Assess readiness: Determine if your child is ready to stay home alone by considering factors such as age, their ability to follow instructions and seek help when needed.
- Explore Childcare Options: DCHS provides guidelines and financial assistance for finding suitable childcare services.
Access the Childcare FAQs for more information.
Brochure: Child Supervision Guidelines
The City of Alexandria also offers a variety of summer camp programs to keep children engaged and supervised:
- Power-On/Power-Up Summer Camps: Designed for elementary-aged youth that are entering 1st-6th grade (Power-On) and middle schoolers entering 6th-9th grade (Power-Up) in Fall of this year. These camps run from June 16 to August 8, 2025 and offer assistance for eligible families.
- Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RCPA) Summer Camps: A diverse selection of camps including sports, arts, STEM, and nature exploration for various age groups. New offerings for 2025 include Swim Team Camp Prep, Bounce-Boom Pickleball Camp, and Art Box Lego Mania Camp.
- YMCA Alexandria Summer Camp: Provides a range of experiences focusing on physical activity, creativity, and learning for children aged 5-15.
- Bishop Ireton Highschool Summer Camps: Four weeks of camps focusing on sports, fine arts and STEM for various age groups.
- Browne Summer Camp: Caters to children aged 3-13 with different weekly themes and activities.
For a comprehensive list and to register for the City run camps, visit the RPCA Camps page.
4. Water Safety and Swimming Lessons
Swimming is a great way to stay cool and active during the summer, but safety is extremely important. The City offers a variety of swimming programs to help residents of all ages learn essential water safety skills:
Safety Do’s:
- Always Supervise Children: Even strong swimmers should never swim alone. Never leave children swimming or by open bodies of water for even a second.
- Use Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets for Non-Swimmers: This is especially important near open bodies of water and deep pools. Using Coast Guard approved life jackets can save you and your children's lives.
- Check Depth Before Diving: Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow water.
- Learn to Swim: Enroll children and adults in certified swimming lessons.
Safety Don’ts:
- Don’t Run Near Pools: Slippery surfaces are a common cause of injury or drowning.
- Avoid Rough Play in Water: Dunking or horseplay can lead to panic or injury.
- Don’t Rely Soley on Floaties: Inflatable toys are not a substitute for life jackets or supervision.
For Local lessons, visit:
For more information on aquatics facilities and swimming classes, visit: https://vaalexandriaweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=ar&type=aquat&_csrf_token=002e6248c1cbccba212eb25f8e3c14905b88042f2ac89427e255cf4394b965a9
For more information on Pool Safety, visit: https://www.alexandriava.gov/AquaticHealth
Enjoy your summer with safety, health, and fun in mind—Alexandria has resources to support you every step of the way!