As outdoor temperatures begin to rise, so too does the danger for heat-stroke related deaths due to children being left in hot vehicles.
According to Bev Long of Safe Kids Emporia, KVOE’s Newsmaker Guest Friday, the number of hot car related child deaths has — unfortunately — remained on par with recent years. Long says 11 deaths have been reported so far this year with the most recent occurring on June 8th.
According to her research, 56 percent of the child heatstroke deaths over the past 20 years were the result of a parent unknowingly forgetting their child in a car. Long says in most cases the parent became distracted, likely due to a sudden change in routine.
According to Long, on average between 37-38 children die each year due to being left in hot vehicles. Unfortunately, last year those numbers saw a large increase.
In the midst of these staggering numbers Long tells everyone to remember the acronym A-C-T (ACT). ACT stands for avoid heat-related injury, create reminders and take action. If you see a child alone in a car contact 9-1-1 immediately.
Long adds when your vehicle is not in use it is important to lock your it to prevent children from climbing inside. For more information and safety tips on this topic and others visit Safekids.org/safetytips.
