One of the biggest weather related risks during the summer months is the possibility of a child suffering from heat stroke after being left in a vehicle. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, and 50 degrees in an hour.  This can cause heat stroke particularly in children, whose body temperatures warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.

Vehicle heat related deaths are preventable. Always check the backseat and never leave children unattended even for a few moments.

Some basic 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. Do not 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, check the car first, including the trunk. Teach your children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.  IF A CHILD IS MISSING, ALWAYS CHECK THE CAR FIRST!

Keep an item in the car seat and when the child is put in the seat place that item in the front with the driver as a reminder.

Or place your purse, briefcase or lunch 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.