This Summer, Do Not Leave Children in Parked Cars

Each summer we hear tragic reports of young children being left alone in vehicles and dying from getting overheated. It is critical for parents of young children not to underestimate the dangers involved. Heat stroke and death can occur in a matter of minutes. Since 1998, an average of 36 deaths have occurred each year after a child was left alone in a vehicle. Ninety percent of these deaths involved children who were three years old or younger.

The Central Utah Public Health Department reminds you that a baby should never be left alone in a vehicle – even for a minute. Heat is much more dangerous to babies than to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s body temperature may increase three to five times faster than yours, which can cause permanent injury or even death. Learn how to protect your baby and keep her safe in and around vehicles. For more information, visit http://www.usa.safekids.org/.