Heat and Automobiles

From 1996 to 2000 more than 120 children died nationwide from heat stroke after being trapped in a vehicles' passenger compartment.

Parents may mistakenly think that they can safely leave a child in a vehicle for a quick errand. Unfortunately a delay of just a few minutes can lead to tragedy.

With an outside temperature of 80 degrees a cars' interior temperature can reach dangerous levels in just minutes.

When the outside temperature is 93 degrees the inside temperature even with the windows cracked can reach 125 degrees in just minutes.

When left in a hot vehicle a child's core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than adults.

Safety Tips

• Never leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle even with the widows cracked a few inches.
• Teach children not to play in, on, or around vehicles.
• Always keep the car locked even at home.
• Watch children closely around vehicles.
• Always make sure all child passengers have left the car when you reach your destination.
• Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
• If your child becomes locked in a vehicle dial 9-1-1 immediately.
• When restraining children in a car seat check to make sure that the seating surfaces and buckles aren’t excessively hot.