San Diego County CA— Friday, July 31st is National Heatstroke Prevention Day. We want parents and caregivers to ask themselves this question every time they get out of the car: Where’s baby? Look before you lock.
Even the best of parents can overlook a sleeping baby in a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says one child dies from heatstroke nearly every ten days from being left alone in a hot car. On an 80‐degree day, a car’s temperature can reach deadly levels in just ten minutes.
A child dies when his or her temperature reaches 107 degrees.
Under Kaitlyn’s Law, it’s illegal to leave a child under the age of six alone in a car anywhere in California. The law is named in memory of a six‐month old Kaitlyn Russell. Her babysitter left her alone in a hot car nearly 15 years ago.
Here are some safety tips to keep your children safe:
NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE IN A CAR even if the windows are partially opened, even for just a minute.
Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you leave the car.
Keep a teddy bear or stuffed animal in the back/car seat. Move the teddy bear to the front seat when you place the child in the seat as a visual reminder.
Place your purse, briefcase, or something else you’ll need in the back seat so you’ll be sure to see a child left in the car.
If it’s your turn to drop off a child at daycare, ask a partner/spouse/friend to call you to make sure the child was not left in a hot car.
Always lock the car and keep the keys out of reach.
Teach children that a car is not a play area.
If you see a child left alone in hot a car, call 911 right away.
Remember: Where’s baby? Look before you lock.