Thankfully, there were no reports of heatstroke due to children in hot vehicles last week.
Temperatures climbed to 94 with a heat index on May 10, and temperatures went above 90 degrees later in the week as well. Emporia Police Officer and Safe Kids Emporia Coordinator Jaffar Agha says it’s important for parents to be mindful of the heat with their kids.
Police Capt. Ray Mattas says there are ways parents can keep the heat situation in mind, including putting something like a purse or jacket next to the car seat — forcing you to look back and check the seat in question. Another tip is to put a stuffed animal in a car seat when the child isn’t riding with you and bring that to the front passenger seat when the child is buckled. Mattas also suggests setting up arrangements with child care so your provider will call if children aren’t dropped off at their regular times.
Mattas says close to 40 children die due to heatstroke nationwide because they are left unattended.
