Warm Weather Reminder For Parents

Just a reminder that it's never a good idea to leave a young child in a car, even for a minute. Children are not able to regulate core body temperature and tolerate heat and cold to the same extent that grown-ups are; if left in a car in warm weather, young children are at risk of quickly experiencing hyperthermia - stroke, seizures, and even death can occur if hyperthermia is severe enough.

Anything can happen when you leave a child in your car - you might get injured, you could have a heart attack, or you might just get distracted and forget where your child is. And since the inside of your car can get dangerously hot within a few minutes, even when outdoor temperatures are relatively comfortable, it makes sense to take your children out of the car every time.

Please consider sharing the following news clip with parents and grandparents in your lives:

If you have children who are old enough to understand, take time to show them how to climb over to the front seat and unlock the doors in an emergency. Show them how to honk the horn to signal for help. Both of these actions may be necessary one day if you are knocked unconscious but your children are okay and able to help themselves.

Make a habit of locking your car doors whenever your car is not in use; don't give your children an opportunity to wander in by themselves and accidentally get locked in without anyone's awareness.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States, a locked car sitting in the summer sun quickly turns into an oven, and temperatures can climb from 78 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees in 6-8 minutes.

If you have any other suggestions on this topic, I invite you to contribute via the comments section below. And please consider sharing these reminders with family and friends.