Even the best parents or caregivers can be forgetful. But for a child (or pet) left behind, a hot car can be deadly. A child’s body temperature increases three to five times faster than that of an adult, and children exposed to extreme temperatures can suffer heatstroke, brain damage and death.
Every 10 days, a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. It can happen to anyone anywhere. That’s why it’s so important to never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
Other than car crashes, heatstroke is the No. 1 killer of children ages 14 and younger, according to SaferCar.gov. Last year, 44 kids died in hot cars, and at least three children have died so far in 2014. These deaths are preventable. Don’t let your child be the next tragedy. Remember to A.C.T.
A. Avoid heatstroke
Heatstroke can happen year-round—even when it’s only 57 degrees outside. On an 80-degree day, a car can reach deadly temperatures in just 10 minutes. Here are some ways to prevent heatstroke.
- NEVER leave an infant or child alone in a vehicle, even if a window is cracked or if you’re parked in the shade.
- Look in the back seat every time you exit the car.
- Do not let children play in or around a vehicle.
- Always keep your car locked when you’re not in it, so kids don’t get in on their own. If a child is missing, quickly check all vehicles, including the trunk.
C. Create reminders
- Is dropping a child off not part of your normal routine? Remind yourself that a child is in the car by:
- Placing an item such as your workbag or purse in the back seat next to the car seat, so that you’ll always check the back seat before you leave the car
- Having your spouse or partner call you after you drop the child off to make sure you didn’t forget
- Having the day care call you if your child doesn’t show up
- Writing a note and placing it on the dashboard of the car
- Setting a reminder on your cellphone or calendar
T. Take action
- If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
- Know the warning signs of heatstroke:
- Red, hot, and moist or dry skin
- No sweating
- A strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse
- Nausea
- Confusion
- A throbbing headache
- Strange behavior
- If a child is in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible.
- Cool the child rapidly by spraying them with cool water or a garden hose.
- NEVER use an ice bath.
If your child is enrolled at a licensed child care facility that offers transportation, be assured that the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds child care providers across the state who are authorized to transport children of the facts and preventive measures to keep children safe when transporting them during summer months.
DHS licensing staff will make extra visits to monitor child care agencies during the summer months. Those not adhering to safety requirements will face a range of penalties, including being put on notice or probation, paying civil penalties, and having their licenses suspended, or even denied or revoked.
Additional resources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: SaferCar.gov
- Child Care Complaint Hotline: Anyone witnessing a transportation-related child care violation is urged to call 800-462-8261, a number that is posted on all licensed child care vehicles.
Source: Kidcentral TN
