As summer temperatures soar above 95 degrees in Jasper, IN, the Indiana State Police is urgently reminding everyone of the life-threatening dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars. Even on milder days, vehicle interiors can reach deadly temperatures, posing extreme risks of heatstroke for children.
The Risks of High Temperatures
Moderate outdoor temperatures can deceive many into thinking their parked car remains safe. However, even when the mercury shows a mild 70 degrees, the interior of a car with closed windows can rapidly climb to over 120 degrees. This creates a fatal oven-like environment within minutes.
Over the past 25 years, heatstroke has tragically claimed the lives of more than 970 children left in vehicles. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that these deaths are entirely preventable. It’s crucial to recognize that such tragedies can occur to any family.
Understanding Heatstroke
Children are particularly vulnerable as their body temperatures rise much faster than adults—three to five times quicker, in fact. Heatstroke begins at a core body temperature of about 104 degrees and can be fatal once it reaches 107 degrees. The recent years have seen alarming rates of hot car deaths, with record numbers in 2018 and 2019 each witnessing 53 fatalities.
Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Never Leave Children Unattended: Always ensure no child is left behind in the car, not even for a minute. Simply rolling down the windows or parking in the shade does very little to reduce the risk.
- Check Before Locking: Make it a routine to inspect all seats before locking your car. Leaving an item in the backseat can serve as a reminder to double-check.
- Communication with Childcare Providers: Ensure that your childcare provider alerts you if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.
- Vehicle Safety: Keep car keys out of children’s reach and educate them that vehicles are not play areas.
If you ever notice a child alone in a vehicle, do not hesitate. Call 911 immediately. Quick actions can save lives, and public awareness is crucial in preventing these heart-wrenching incidents.
Conclusion
As community members, we all have a role in safeguarding our most vulnerable. By staying informed and vigilant, we can prevent the tragedy of hot car deaths and ensure our little ones and furry friends remain safe no matter the season.
For more information on preventing heatstroke in cars, visit the NHTSA’s heatstroke campaign.
