How Does It Happen?
Even on mild or cloudy days, temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels. Leaving windows slightly open doesn’t help. Children should never be left unattended or be able to get inside a vehicle. Three primary circumstances resulting in deaths of children in hot cars are:
● A caregiver forgets a child in a vehicle
● The child gains access to the vehicle
● Someone knowingly leaves a child in the vehicle
Circumstances resulting in pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths (1998-2022). Source: NoHeatStroke.org.
NSC advises parents and caregivers to stick to a routine and avoid distractions to reduce the risk of forgetting a child. Place a purse, briefcase or even a left shoe in the back seat to force you to take one last look before walking away. Keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access, and teach them that cars are not play areas. There is no safe amount of time to leave a child in a vehicle, even if you are just running a quick errand.
NEW! ETC WhatsApp group which will give daily reminders to check your vehicle! THE ETC #Look Before You Lock
Read more: HEAT ADVISORY ISSUED FOR PARTS OF NEW YORK STATE
Messages from local organizations:
