Georgia Coastal Health District

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. As summer heats up, it becomes more and more important to make sure that no child is ever left in a car – even for a minute.

Follow these tips from Safe Kids Worldwide to reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke.
Remember to ACT:
A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.
The state of Georgia launched a “Look Again” campaign earlier this summer to bring awareness to vehicular heat stroke. Check it out HERE.
More Safety Tips
• Never leave a child alone in a car.
• Don’t let your kids play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
• Keep a large teddy bear or other stuffed animal in the car seat when it’s empty. Move the teddy bear to the front seat when you place the child in the seat as a visual reminder.
• If you are dropping your children off at childcare, but normally your spouse or partner drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure they were not left in the car.
• Become vigilant about looking in the vehicle before locking the door. Always look front and back before walking away — always!