Experts warn: Cars still too hot for children
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 7, 2015 1:46 PM
Labor Day might signal the end of summer, but the threat of heatstroke still remains, especially for the youngest segment of the population left alone in vehicles.
Safe Kids Wayne County is reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children alone in a vehicle. So far this year, at least 15 children have died across the country from heatstroke while unattended in a car.
"We know from past experience that these fatalities can happen any time, anywhere, including September and October, when temperatures are still warm enough to pose danger in many parts of the country," said Shelly Willis, coordinator with Safe Kids Wayne County. "We don't want to see this happen to any family. That's why Safe Kids is asking everyone to help protect kids from this very preventable tragedy by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute."
The danger is not limited to the middle of the summer, she noted. Even with seemingly mild temperatures outside, the temperatures inside a car can rise 19 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, causing occupants to rapidly overheat.
"And cracking a window doesn't help," Ms. Willis pointed out. "Young children are particularly at risk as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult's."
Safe Kids has a simple pneumonic device for this, based on an acronym for ACT -- Avoid. Create reminders. Take action.
Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute, and once outside make sure to keep the car locked so children do not get inside on their own.
Create reminders by putting something in the back seat of the car next to the child -- such as a briefcast, a cell phone or purse, even a shoe -- that will be needed at your final destination. This is especially critical when not following the normal routine.
Take action. If you notice a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want to be called. They are trained to respond in these situations and it might even save a life, officials said.
Safe Kids Wayne County, operated under the umbrella of the Partnership for Children of Wayne County, is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide.