April 26th is National Child Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness and Prevention Day
5. So far this year 5 children have lost their lives due to vehicular heatstroke. According to Kids and Cars, 39 children passed away from vehicular heatstroke in 2016. The average number of child fatalities from vehicular heatstroke per year since 1998 is 37. That’s one death every 9 days.
This is an epidemic, these are not isolated events.
I’m at a loss for words. This can happen to anyone. The only thing on my mind are my nieces and nephews, my friends’ children, and my future children. We can stop this.
Kids and Cars have announced April 26th as National Child Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness and Prevention Day. This day aims to spread awareness and knowledge about the dangers of heatstroke.
Rear View Safety has developed the Brilliant Backseat Reminder System so you won’t forget any precious cargo left in the backseat. The Brilliant Backseat is equipped with two different alarms to alert you, or those nearby, that you have forgotten something, or someone in the backseat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASorv6Uo5fQ
Safety Tips
Here are some heatstroke safety tips from the Kids and Cars and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Not even for a minute!
- If you see a child unattended in a hot vehicle call 9-1-1.
- Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.
- Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.
- Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
- If a child is missing, always check the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk.
- Make “look before you leave” a routine whenever you get out of the car.
- Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.
- Keep a stuffed animal in the car-seat and when the child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the driver. Or place your purse, briefcase or cell phone in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car
Together we can stop this problem. Please be safe out there.
