Tomorrow is forecast to be one of the worst bushfire danger days in Australian history. Temperatures of 43 are expected in Sydney, with higher temperatures in regional areas. Tasmania has already seen terrible bushfires along the coast near Hobart, and firefighters around the country are on high alert.
The elderly and very young are always at risk during high temperatures- it is incredibly important to keep kids hydrated and out of the sun. Some things to remember to help keep everyone cool on these hot days.
1) Make some homemade icypoles- fruit juice frozen in some home made icypole makers is a treat and easy for kids to enjoy. I have even made my green smoothie into icypoles for the kids. We have these Twistix Icypole makers- (ours from Howard’s Storage World) awesome as they minimise drips! 
If you want icypoles fast- check out the Zoku Quick Pop- which can freeze your icypoles in 7 minutes! These look amazing… would certainly improve Summer snacks when I’m not organized enough to make some icypoles for the kidlets.
2) Hydralyte icy poles- I’m a huge fan of these for keeping kids hydrated in extreme conditions or if kids are unwell. Grab a pack from the pharmacy.
3) Lots and lots of water- put slices of fruit in it- ice- even a splash of cordial if it will get kids to keep drinking. Try Coconut Water or crack open an actual coconut and pop a straw in
4) Eat lots of fruit with high water content- grapes, watermelons etc if your kids aren’t great at drinking lots of water. 
5) On such an extreme day as we are expecting tomorrow- it is best to stay inside- even if the beach seems like a great option. Find some old school fun if you are not lucky enough to have a pool.. or friends with one- turn the sprinkler on in the backyard… get out the Slip n’ Slide… get out the toddlers paddling pool… or even turn the bath into a “water fun park”.
I will be avoiding the beach tomorrow… this was Bondi yesterday. Photo by Aquabumps
6) If you do go to the beach- go early (as in 7 or 8am) and get back home by 11am. The UV rays are not at their peak at this time. Cover every child in rashies, 30 plus sunscreen and hats. If you have a beach tent- use it!
7) Find an airconditioned cinema showing a kids movie- lots of good ones out at the minute including Wreck it Ralph, I suggest you buy tickets online ahead of time as LOTS of families will have the same idea. If you have babies or toddlers and are in Sydney, The Mama Club in Bondi is open and airconditioned!!!
8) Evian Facial Mist- I love these. I use them to keep kids entertained/hydrated on planes- having your face misted is apparently High-larious to the under 6′s in my care…They are great on car trips and on hot days to keep moisture on delicate little skin. Avene Thermal Mist is also great. If you don’t have one- a cold facewasher/ face cloth is excellent for keeping babies and small children’s temp’s in check. 
9)Check on an elderly neighbour- if you know of anyone who may be alone tomorrow- drop in to make sure they have fans on, airconditioning working and everything they need for the day. I have the world’s most spritely 94 year old neighbour, but check in with her to make sure all is as it should be on extreme days.
10) Under no circumstances leave your child in the car unattended..even for a minute…ever but ESPECIALLY not in this heat.
If you have any other great ideas, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Stay cool skimamas!
