Summertime is a wonderful time for children and adults alike. Whether we’re heading to the pool or just playing outside, hot weather gives us the chance to enjoy activities we might not otherwise be able to enjoy! However, there are some risks as the temperature rises, so it’s important to stay vigilant about child safety during the summer. This is especially true when leaving your child in a car.
When you’re busy running errands, it might seem like a good idea to run into the store and leave your child behind if it’s only a few minutes. However, even a few minutes can spell disaster for your child in a hot car during the summer. The interior of your vehicle can raise to dangerous temperatures in mere minutes even in temperatures as low as 60 °. Not only that, but a child’s body temperature can rise 3-5 times faster than that of an adult’s, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the summer heat. Even leaving the window cracked is not enough to ensure your child’s safety.
To ensure you never forget to bring your child with you on errands or even short drop-off sessions at school, there are a few strategies you can use. For example, always leave your purse with your infant or toddler to make sure you won’t forget your little one in the back seat. You can also use a reminder in the front seat like a diaper bag or other item to remind you to take your child with you if they’re asleep.
Hot car deaths are accidental, but with awareness and reminders, we can all do our part to ensure that our children are safe from the heat. If you see a child alone in a parked car without an adult around, do not hesitate to call 911. Your action could save a child’s life.
