Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle
Here are some safety tips from SafeKids when it comes to leaving kids in vehicles.
As temperatures increase and family schedules change, parents and caregivers should avoid leaving children unsupervised in or near vehicles.
Children in vehicles under extreme heat conditions are vulnerable. Heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency, can occur in temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on humidity levels. Body temperatures higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit can cause permanent brain damage or even death, especially among children.
Other serious injuries occur when children get entrapped in trunks or when they set a vehicle in motion leading to crashes. Recommendations include:
Make your car safer. Always keep car doors and trunks locked, even in the garage or driveway, to keep kids out. Treat it as the multi-ton, fast-moving enclosure and piece of machinery that it is. Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car
Supervision is key. Even if the windows are down, never leave your child unattended in a car. Never leave your car keys where children can get them. Teach children not to play in or around cars. If a child is missing at home, check the car first, including the trunk
Adopt safety-focused behaviors. Consider placing your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car. Be sure everyone leaves the vehicle when you reach your destination
Notification plan. Consider having your child’s teacher or childcare provider call you if your child does not arrive when expected
Get involved if you see a child alone in a vehicle. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Another important aspect of car safety is making sure that your car itself is safe. If it’s older and might not be the most up to date vehicle you should consider selling your car to Ecology Cash For Cars. They are a company that will purchase your car from you even if it’s old.