Kids and hot cars
You think it could never happen to you. However, even the best parents and caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a hot car or leave a car unattended and unlocked, providing an opportunity for a child to become trapped inside. The most common contributing factor is a change in daily routine. A parent who normally takes the child to school or day care cannot drive that day, and the other busy parent, workday in mind, forgets to stop at the day care, ultimately leaving the child strapped in their car seat until it’s too late.
Despite the efforts of child safety advocates and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Americans keep leaving young children in hot vehicles. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, heatstroke deaths are the leading cause of non-crash-related auto fatalities for children ages 14 and younger. Heatstroke can occur when the temperature is as low as 57 degrees. Sadly, young children are most susceptible.
Proactive responsibility and vigilance are critical in preventing these tragedies. Following are several prevention tips from child safety advocates:
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even to run a short errand.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times and keys and remote openers out of children’s reach.
- Talk to older children about the dangers of hot cars.
- Look before you lock to ensure all passengers are out.
- Place the child’s diaper bag, stuffed animal or shoe in your front seat.
- Place your belongings in back with the child.
- Talk or sing to the child to avoid self-absorbed thought.
Request the day care notify you if your child doesn’t arrive. Make a habit to confirm who brings your child from your car into your home each time. If your child is missing, check the car, including the trunk.
EDM Owl’s motto grab your pack and look BACK !!!!!
***Speaking of heat, please help us raise some money for our security system. Go to these links to learn more:
– https://www.gofundme.com/edmowlsacademy
– Paypal.me/edmowls