Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths in Vehicles
Last year, 39 children died of heatstroke after being trapped inside of a hot vehicle. One child has already died from pediatric heatstroke this year. Each one of these heartbreaking deaths were totally preventable.
“No one ever expects to forget their child in a vehicle, but the unfortunate reality is that it can happen to anyone,” said Peter Simshauser, Chief Counsel for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Every one of these tragedies is preventable, and we urge parents and caregivers to make it a habit to Stop. Look. Lock. every time they exit their
car to prevent these devastating tragedies. And if you see a child left alone in a car, call 911 immediately – you could save a life.”
According to NoHeatStroke.org, 1013 children have perished from pediatric heat stroke since 1998. Last July 15, a 2-month-old girl died after being left inside of a hot car in Lakewood, New Jersey, according to the NHS. Two days later, in East Hanover, New Jersey, a 6-month-old girl perished the same way. As a parent, grandparent or caregiver, you might think that this could never happen to you. You’d be dead wrong. According to recent statistics, 54 percent of these children were forgotten by a caregiver. Some 26 percent gained access to the vehicle on their own and nearly 19 percent were knowling left by a caregiver.
Hot vehicles can quickly become deadly
Never leave a child inside of a parked vehicle for any period of time. Their bodies heat up much faster than an adult, making them more prone to heat stroke. Even on a cool day, a child can die inside of a vehicle. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not help.If you see an unattended child inside of a vehicle, call 911 immediately. Don’t hesitate. You might save a child’s life.
NoHeatStroke.org offers some additional safety advice about kids and hot cars. Make sure all occupants, including pets, are out of the vehicle when unloading. Do not overlook sleeping babies. Educate all caregivers to do the same. – Always lock your vehicle, even if there are no children in your home. Keep keys and remote access devices are out of reach of children. –
As with tips about water safety, if a child is missing check the pool first then the car, including the trunk. – Practice the “bag in the back” habit. Keep a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat. When the child is put in the seat, put the animal in the front seat with the driver. Or put your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder you have a child in the car.
A saftey message from Delco Alarm Systems. For all your security needs, please contact us at 610-494-9100