Dangerous heat causes schools to push back kickoff for football games

Friday's dangerous heat is raising concerns about health risks for players in Friday night football games, and many schools are changing kickoff times to avoid the heat.

Schools are not only pushing their kickoff times to later, but some schools moved their games to Thursday.

Last night’s game between Bunn and Northampton County was moved up a day due to heat.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has precautions in place to protect athletes. They decide whether it’s safe for players to suit up.

Dr. Daniel Park with UNC’s Pediatric Emergency Department said they’re seeing three times the number of young patients in the emergency room for heat related illnesses this year.

"The biggest thing is prehydration," he said. "Do not wait until you're thirsty to drink."

Dr. Park said on days like this, where we’re experiencing extreme heat, it’s important to know the signs of heat related illness. This includes increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.