Heatstroke is the leading cause of vehicular non-crash-related deaths for children under 14. In fact, each year, an average of 37 children have died from vehicle heatstroke between 1998-2015.
While it seems like an impossible mistake to make, every parent or caregiver can potentially become distracted, and distractions often fuel this devastating situation.
No one is immune. Yet, this tragedy is 100% preventable.
We each have a role to play to help keep our kids safe. Help us share live-saving tips and resources with as many people as we can.
REMEMBER:
• Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down, or air conditioning on. Children’s body temperature can heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults’. A core temperature of 107 degrees is lethal.
• Always look in both the front and back of the vehicle before locking the door and walking way.
• Heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees. On an 80-degree day, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes.
• Never let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them a vehicle is not a play area.
• Always lock your vehicle doors and trunk and keep the keys out of a child’s reach. If a child is missing, quickly check all vehicles, including the trunk.
If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle:
• Always make sure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 911 immediately.
• If the child appears okay, attempt to locate the parents or have the facility’s security or management page the car owner over the PA system.
• If the child is not responsive and appears in great distress, attempt to get into the car to assist the child, even if that means breaking a window.
Remember: kids in hot cars are a deadly combination. Don’t take the chance.
Look before you lock!
