The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has initiated the #LookBeforeYouLock campaign, emphasizing the critical importance of checking the backseat of vehicles before locking them, especially as temperatures soar in the Valley. This initiative aims to prevent tragic incidents of children suffering from heatstroke after being left in hot cars.
Since 1990, over 1,000 children have died nationwide due to being left in overheated vehicles, according to ADHS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that approximately 37 children die each year from heatstroke under such circumstances, with the summer months seeing an average of two such deaths per week.
Preventive Measures
ADHS suggests several steps to avoid these tragedies:
- Establish a routine: Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you park, regardless of whether your child is with you.
- Place essential items in the back seat: Keep items like a cellphone or handbag in the back seat to ensure you open the back door before leaving.
- Never leave a child alone: Vehicles can reach dangerous temperatures in just 10 minutes. Parking in the shade or leaving windows open is not sufficient to prevent heatstroke.
- Communicate changes in routine: If someone else is dropping off your child, confirm the drop-off was completed.
Technological Aids
Technology can also assist in preventing these incidents:
- Set distinct alarms on your phone or computer as reminders for childcare drop-offs.
- Consider using technology that alerts drivers to check the back seat.
- Request that babysitters or childcare providers contact you if your child does not arrive as expected.
For more information and updates, residents can download the 12News app or stream live events through the 12+ app on devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
Original reporting: 12News / KPNX (Phoenix) — read the source article.
