A reminder as summertime approaches
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle
Leaving a child in a car can be dangerous or even deadly. In 2013 there were at least 20 deaths of children unattended in vehicles. Last year there were at least 33 deaths of children due to hyperthermia (heatstroke) after being left in or having gained access to hot cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s. The recent study published by Jan Null shows that these incidents can occur on days with relatively mild (i.e., 70 degrees F) temperatures and that vehicles can reach life-threatening temperatures very rapidly.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Not even for a minute!
• If you see a child unattended in a hot vehicle call 9-1-1.
• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.
• Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices. If a child is missing, always check
the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk. Teach your children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
• Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and when the child is put in the seat, place the animal in the front with the driver.
• Or place your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.
• Make “look before you leave” a routine whenever you get out of the car.
• Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.
• If your children take school buses or other modes of transportation, make sure that the transportaton company follows established safety protocols, such as a bus driver walking through the bus to make sure no child is left onboard at the end of the route.
• And call to make sure your child arrives as expected, if you are not there to greet your child. Always remember your child’s health and
safety come first. Never leave the unattended in a vehicle.
Melissa Holley,
Kid’s Kingdom
Blountstown
