Avoid Leaving Your Kids in Hot Cars with these Prevention Tips

For children left in parked cars, the summer heat can easily turn deadly. Even a 60-degree day is dangerous as the temperature inside a car can rocket upward to 110-degrees. Kids’ size and their limited abilities to cool their bodies through sweat makes them more susceptible to heat stroke. Check out these tips to help you remember when you have a child passenger this summer.

Check the Back Seat

If you do not typically drive your children to their destination, use a system that reminds you of their presence. One option is to place a stuffed animal in the child safety seat when it is unoccupied and then move it to the front passenger seat when there is a child in the car. Placing a diaper bag on the passenger seat will also serve as a reminder.

You may also choose to leave important items such as your briefcase, purse, or cell phone in the back seat. You will then have to retrieve the items from the rear of the vehicle when you arrive at your destination. So if a child has fallen asleep in their car seat, you will spot them.

Lock Your Vehicle

Locking your vehicle when it is parked keeps out more than thieves. When your car is parked in your driveway, children may decide to play inside it if the doors are unlocked. They can accidentally lock themselves inside or even in the trunk. Make sure to lock your vehicle and encourage visitors to do the same.

Be a Good Samaritan

Should you ever notice a child seated alone inside a parked car, you must take action. Wait no more than a few minutes to see if an adult returns or have another person enter nearby stores to have them page the parent. If no one returns, call 911. You should remove the child from the vehicle if they become unresponsive or appear to be ill.