SafeKids Adams County Tips to Prevent Child Heatstroke Deaths

As temperatures are expected to reach the 90s this weekend, it’s important to remember temperatures can become deadly inside a car in a very short period of time. Safe Kids Adams County reminds caregivers to never leave children alone in cars.

Since 1998, at least 678 children across the United States have died in cars from heatstroke – that’s one child every 10 days. Sadly, so far this year, nine children have died from heatstroke in cars.

“The key to preventing these tragedies is for every parent and caregiver to understand that this can happen to anybody,” said Chaundra Bishop, Safe Kids Adams County Coordinator. “It can also be avoided with a little awareness and by taking a few simple precautions.”

Safe Kids is asking everyone to help protect kids by remembering to ACT:

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.

C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.

T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

For more information, contact Chaundra Bishop at the Adams County Health Department at 222.8440 x 128.