Nowadays we lead busy lives and one of our many daily chores may be running errands. In the summer it's especially unpleasant to be getting in and out of the car several times, running into stores in the hot and sticky weather.
No matter how short your run is - stopping for a beverage at the gas station, or picking up a medication really quick, never leave your child in the car unattended.
Children who die from heatstroke as a result of being trapped in a hot car occupy news station stories every year. In the last 2 years, it seemed an epidemic as story after story rolled out of accidental deaths from children being forgotten in the backseat.
The Danger
Children are at a much higher risk of heatstroke than adults. Their bodies' temperature gauge isn't fully functional, leaving them to the threat of the heat. They will overheat 3 to 5 times faster than an adult. In as little as 10 minutes, the temperature inside your vehicle can increase 20 degrees.
While you may think you are safe in cooler weather, there has been a reported case of heatstroke when the outside temperature was only 57 degrees.
Reminders
Many cars today come equipped with an alarm, if you will, to remind you there is something in the back seat when you turn off the ignition.
There are other ways to remind yourself to take your child with you when you get out of the car. You can put the child's stuffed animal in the front seat where you will see it. You can put your purse or wallet in the back seat to help as well.
Local Ordinances
If you see a child in a car without supervision, contact the police immediately. Some counties protect you against criminal charges if you break a car window to save a child from heatstroke, but not all of them. Check local laws to ensure compliance.