That’s why state Public Health officials are urging parents and other caregivers to not leave children in cars.
“Deaths of children who are left in cars in the summer heat are tragedies that unfortunately are repeated summer after summer in North Carolina,” said State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin.” “It is critical that parents and caretakers of children realize that the temperatures inside a car can heat up very quickly and that a child left in a car is at great risk for heat related death. No one should ever leave a child in a parked car — not even for a few minutes.”
On a warm, sunny day, even at temperatures as mild as 60 degrees, a closed vehicle can heat up to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes. During the summer months, the temperature inside a parked car can reach over 120 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. Direct sunlight and a dark colored car further speed the process.
Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees and heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
One North Carolina child has already died this year after being left in a parked car. The 20-month old Carteret County girl died on April 22 after she was inadvertently left in a closed car for five hours.
According to the national nonprofit Kids and Cars, there have been 21 child fatalities from hot cars this year. The group says that last year, 154 children died under similar circumstances.
All caregivers should follow these tips concerning children, cars and heat:
n Never leave your child in an unattended car, even with the windows down.
n Check to make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination, particularly when loading and unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
n Make sure you check the temperature of the child safety seat surface and safety belt buckles before restraining your children in the car.
n Make sure that unoccupied cars are locked, so that children don’t accidentally become trapped.
