Every year, dozens of children die from being left in hot cars. These tragic incidents occur when a parent or caregiver forgets that a child is in the car, or intentionally leaves them there while running errands. Regardless of the reason, leaving a child in a hot car is extremely dangerous and can have devastating consequences.
The inside of a car can heat up very quickly, even on a mild day. When temperatures outside are in the 80s, the inside of a car can reach well over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. This can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal for young children. Their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults, and their internal organs can start to shut down when their temperature rises to just 104 degrees.
Leaving a child in a hot car, even for just a few minutes, can have serious and long-lasting effects on their health. Heatstroke can cause permanent brain damage, organ failure, and even death. The effects of heatstroke can be irreversible, and the emotional trauma for the child and their family can be devastating.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to understand the dangers of leaving their children in hot cars and take steps to prevent it from happening. One simple way to avoid this tragedy is to never leave a child alone in a car, even for a quick errand. It’s also important to keep car doors locked when not in use and to keep keys out of reach of children, to prevent them from accidentally locking themselves in the car.
It’s also a good idea to create reminders to ensure that children are never left in the car. This could include putting something you need, like a purse or a briefcase, in the back seat next to the child. This will force you to open the back door and see the child before leaving the car. It’s also a good idea to ask your child’s childcare provider to call you if your child doesn’t show up to daycare without prior notice.
In addition, it’s important for bystanders to be aware of the signs of a child in distress in a hot car. If you see a child alone in a car, don’t hesitate to call 911. Even if the car is parked in the shade with the windows cracked, the heat can still be dangerous for the child.
Leaving a child in a hot car is a serious and preventable danger. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to prevent it from happening, parents and caregivers can help protect children from the devastating effects of heatstroke. Let’s work together to ensure that no child is left alone in a hot car and that every child has a safe and healthy summer.
