Herkimer Co. Tips To Avoid Forgetting Kids In Hot Cars

Leaving a child in alone in a car can be deadly.  That's the warning from Herkimer County Public Health nurse Diane Ward.

"Kids and hot cars are a deadly combination." said Ward in a press release.  Last year, 30 children died from heatstroke from being left in a hot car.  One of those children was a baby in New York.  Ward added that on a 90-degree day, it only takes about 10 minutes for the temperature inside of a car to rise to and surpass 107 degrees.  That's the internal body temperature at which a child will die from heatstroke.

Ward has urged everyone to follow tips that reduce the number of children who die in hot cars because they are accidently forgotten by parents or caregivers.  As one of the hottest months of the year begins, here are some of those tips:

-Keep a toy or large stuffed animal in the child's car seat.  When buckling the child, move the toy or animal to the front seat.

-Put a briefcase, cell phone or diaper bag in the back seat where the child is sitting to that the back door needs to be opened.

-Ask a child care provider to call if a child doesn't show up as expected, especially if there is a change in routine.  Set the alarm on the phone as a reminder for drop-off or pick-up times.

-Put a sticky note on the dashboard or another visible spot to remind yourself where a child is when picking up or dropping off.

-Look before you lock.  Always check the backseat, trunk or cargo area.

-Keep keys and remote-access devises out of a child's reach.  Don't ever let kids play with them.

-Never let kids play inside or around your car.  They can become trapped inside.

-Pay for gas at the pump.  Then there is no need to go inside while kids are in the car.

-Use a drive-thru whenever possible so there isn't a need to leave the car.

These tips save children's lives.   As Diane Ward of Herkimer County says, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside temperature of a car to become extremely dangerous.