It may almost be fall, but in most states, we still have some hot days in store. In Northern California, we're in for a week of 90+ temps again. And with that comes the reminder to not leave your little ones in the car alone, not even for a minute. As of last week 16 children have lost their lives to hot cars this year. Heatstroke is real and affects children of all ages, even those that you think are old enough to get out. A child's body can heat up 3 to 5 times faster than an adults and cars can reach temperatures exceeding 120 degrees within minutes. An older child can become disoriented and not know how to exit the vehicle. There are a few heatstroke prevention campaigns out there, but the ACT campaign from Safe Kids Worldwide and Look Before You Lock from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services are both great.
Safe Kids Worldwide - http://www.safekids.org/heatstroke
A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Look Before You Lock - http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ecd/interagency-projects/look-before-you-lock
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