Heat and Kids in Cars
A child's body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult's and a core body temperature of 103 degrees could lead very quickly to heat stroke. Heat stroke can be lethal and can happen quickly in children. Signs of heat stroke include high temperature, hot, dry skin (sweating stops), rapid pulse, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
In 10 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise 19 degrees.
In 30 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise 34 degrees.
In 60 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise 43 degrees.
Statistics from http://ggweather.com/heat/
Cracking the window open has little effect on the inside temperature because the air inside the vehicle is warmed by the solid objects in the vehicle, like the steering wheel, the dashboard, the vehicle seats, etc.
Safety Tips
- never leave your child alone in the vehicle for any amount of time
- get into the habit of looking at the car seat when you leave the vehicle, always, whether you have your child with you or not
- place your wallet or purse in the back seat next to the car seat
- teach your child not to play in any vehicle
- if your child is missing, check your trunk and your pool immediately
- always lock your vehicle doors and keep your keys out of reach, even at home
- check with your vehicle dealer to have a trunk release mechanism installed if your car doesn't have one
- use a windshield shade to keep the sun out of your vehicle
- cover the car seat with a white towel when it's not in use
- always carry cool drinking water in your vehicle
- if you see a child left alone in a vehicle, don't hesitate — call 911 immediately
