Knowing the Dangers of Hot Cars

Parents know how busy summertime can be. Between camps and vacations, it is easy to get caught up in busy schedules. However, amid that busyness, one simple rule must always remain a non-negotiable: never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Hot cars can become deadly faster than many people realize, even on mild-temperature days. As the days get hotter, know the dangers of hot cars and how to prevent heat-related injury.  

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A parked car can heat up very quickly, even with the windows cracked. A comfortable day can turn a car into an oven within minutes, and young children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat up faster than adults do. The safest choice is simple: if you’re getting out of the car, your child comes with you always.

Tip: Place a daily essential item (phone, wallet, badge) in the back seat and make it a habit to open your back door every time you park. These small steps in your routine can save lives.  

How to Prevent Heat-Related Injury  

Vehicle-related heat injuries and deaths can happen to anyone, anywhere; even the most loving parents and caregivers can get busy or distracted and forget a child is in the backset or can be unaware that a child has climbed into an unlocked vehicle. To prevent the unthinkable, remember to A.C.T

A: Avoid heatstroke by never leaving a child alone in a car, even for a minute. When you’re away from your vehicle, be sure to lock it – a backseat or trunk may seem like an enticing hiding spot to a child, and they can inadvertently lock themselves inside. Teach your children that trunks and other cargo areas are not safe places to play and keep your car keys out of reach of children. If you notice that your child is missing, always check the pool first and then the car, including the trunk.

C: Create reminders by leaving something that reminds you of your child in the front seat (like a favorite toy or stuffed animal) and something you need in the backseat (like your phone, purse or briefcase). You can also create a reminder on your phone or computer. This is especially important if you’re changing your routine, like starting a new daycare schedule or taking a different route to work; our brains can often go on autopilot, and it’s easy to forget to remember to check the backseat. Try to limit phone conversations and music as you’re driving with your child; instead, have a conversation with them directly. Ask your child’s daycare provider to call you if your child is more than 10 minutes late.

T: Take action. If you see a child in a car alone, get them out as soon as possible, call 911 and stay with the child until help arrives. You can also ask others to search for the driver or ask the store to page them over the intercom.

By knowing the dangers of hot care and remembering to ACT, we can keep our kids safe this summer and beyond.