WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW-WSAU) – Summer has moved in, and that means playground equipment can turn dangerous as it absorbs the heat. While playing on the heated equipment, it can be painful and potentially harmful for children. Newsline 9 went out to measure the temperature of playground equipment, and some clocked in around 140 degrees. The Wausau Fire Department says that 140 degrees can cause second or third-degree burns within minutes.
The department is urging parents to stay cautious and aware of the equipment that their children are playing on.
“On a hot sunny day, you don’t realize how hot that equipment can get,” said Al Buch, an engineer for the Wausau Fire Department. “It’s very important to check the equipment before they go on it.”
Experts also add that metal slides usually are hotter than plastic ones, however, it can also depend on if the equipment is in the shade or not.
For parents that fear the playground equipment may be too hot, Buch suggests going to a public pool or beach to cool off.
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