How to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
Hot car deaths, also known as vehicular heatstroke, are tragic and preventable incidents that claim too many lives each year. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures can help prevent these heartbreaking occurrences.
First and foremost, never leave a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on mild days. A car can heat up by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, creating a dangerous environment for children, whose bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults’.
Create reminders to ensure you don’t forget a child in the car. Place something you need at your final destination, like your cell phone, wallet, or work badge, in the back seat next to your child. This “look before you lock” habit can be lifesaving.
Establish a routine with your childcare provider. If your child doesn’t show up as expected, have them call you to confirm the child’s whereabouts. This extra layer of accountability can prevent accidents due to changes in routine or miscommunication.
Make it a habit to always check the back seat before locking your car. Some suggest placing a large stuffed animal in the front seat whenever a child is in the back as a visual reminder.
Keep your vehicles locked when not in use and store keys out of children’s reach. Children sometimes enter vehicles to play and can become trapped. Teach children that cars are not play areas.
If you see a child alone in a car, don’t hesitate to act. Call 911 immediately and, if the child appears to be in distress, take action to get them out of the vehicle.
Be aware of the signs of heatstroke in children, which include red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion, or strange behavior.
Technology can also help. Some car seats and vehicles now come with reminder systems. While these can be helpful, they should not be relied upon exclusively.
Educate others about the dangers of hot cars. Share information with family, friends, and colleagues to raise awareness and potentially save lives.
Remember, preventing hot car deaths is a community responsibility. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, we can work together to ensure the safety of our children.