HEAT AND KIDS IN CARS

A simple break in routine can lead to a child forgotten in the back seat of a car. It doesn’t take a hot day for the inside of a car to turn deadly hot. 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 deadly 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/

Did you know? - Cracking the window open has little effect on the inside temperature. This is 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, even for a quick errand

• Have your daycare or baby sitter call you when your child is absent

• Always look in the carseat when you leave the vehicle. They look the same occupied or not

• Place your wallet or purse in the back seat next to the carseat

• Teach your child not to play in any vehicles

• Always lock your vehicle doors and keep your keys out of reach, even at home

• If your child is missing, check your pool, then your vehicle immediately including the trunk

• Use a windshield shade to keep the sun out of your vehicle

• Cover the carseat with a white towel when it’s not in use to limit the potential for burns from the buckles

• Always carry cool drinking water in your vehicle

• If you see a child left alone in a vehicle - call 911 immediately