Weekly Tip - Never Leave Kids, Pets, or Older Adults in a Parked Car

With the summer months upon us, now is the time to learn about the dangers of heatstroke and being trapped in a hot car. Learn how the temperature outside may affect the temperature inside your vehicle.

Heatstroke is dangerous and can be deadly. Never leave children, pets, or older adults unattended in a parked car.

Use the following life saving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind yourself and others to check the back seat before walking away from a vehicle. Children mistakenly being left in hot vehicles make up many of the tragedies reported each year.

·         Look Before You Lock. Get into the routine of always checking the back seat of your vehicle before you lock it and walk away.

·         A Gentle Reminder. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it is empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Alternatively, place your phone, briefcase, or purse in the back seat when traveling with your child.

·         A Routine Check. If someone else is driving your child, or you alter your daily routine, always check to make sure your child has arrived safely.

·         A Key to Safety. You know to keep your vehicle locked, but also keep your keys out of reach; nearly 3 in 10 heatstroke deaths happen when an unattended child gains access to a vehicle.

Learn more extreme heat preparedness at www.ready.gov/heat.  (Tips courtesy of Ready.gov)