Park, Look, Lock: Preventing Heat Stroke in Children
The summer heat continues to rise, even reaching dangerous conditions in some parts of the country. While the warm weather feels nice when outside enjoying time with friends and family, it can be deadly for children inside a car. Children’s bodies overheat easily, especially those younger than five. You should never leave a child alone in a vehicle, no matter how briefly you plan on leaving them there.
The internal temperature of a car can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, even with the windows rolled down a few inches. So, on a 90 degree day, temperatures inside a car can reach over 110 degrees, which can be deadly for children left inside a car. Even with temperatures as low as 60 degrees, kids are still in danger if left in a car.
In 2022, 33 children died after being left or getting trapped inside a hot car. Don’t let this preventable tragedy happen to your family.
Here are six tips to prevent heat stroke:
- Never leave a child alone in a car, even if you are parked and only leaving them for a brief amount of time, they should never be left alone.
- Always look in the backseat before leaving your vehicle.
- Lock unattended vehicle doors.
- If your routine changes and someone else is driving your child, call to make sure your child arrived safely.
- Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in the front seat as a visual reminder that your child is in the back.
- If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
Additional Resources:
For current data and resources on vehicular heatstroke, visit the following websites:
For more information on Bronson Trauma Service’s Injury Prevention Programs visit bronsonhealth.com/emergency/education or email trauma@bronsonhg.org.
