Tomorrow marks one year since an 18-month-old child in West Des Moines died in a hot car. The incident has sparked a reminder from safety experts about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during hot weather.
Heat Safety Tips for Parents
According to the Kids and Car Safety organization, most heat-related deaths in cars occur with children ages three and younger. Their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, making them more vulnerable to heat stroke.
Experts recommend that parents take extra precautions to ensure their child’s safety. This includes never leaving a child alone in a car, even with the windows cracked, and using reminders such as leaving a personal item in the backseat or driving with an item on their lap.
Additionally, parents are advised to lock their vehicles and be mindful of curious children who may accidentally lock themselves in a car. Newer model vehicles often come equipped with sensors that can detect a child in the backseat, providing an added layer of safety.
The Kids and Car Safety organization also suggests that parents check in with their child after dropping them off, ensuring they have arrived safely.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
