The City of Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services reminds parents and caregivers that hot vehicles can be deadly to children.
On average, 38 children die in hot cars nationwide each year after being trapped inside motor vehicles, according to Kids and Cars, a non-profit organization that tracks national statistics on child injuries and deaths. Experts say that temperatures can rise as much as 19 degrees in an enclosed car within 10 short minutes. Infants and young children are three to five times more susceptible than adults to this "greenhouse effect," which can cause serious injury to the brain, liver and kidneys, and result in death.
This year already, there have been at least seven infants and children who have died nationwide as a result of being left inside a hot vehicle. Last year, there were at least 32 such fatalities in the U.S. The Department of Social Services recommends these tips to protect children this summer:
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, not even for a minute or with the windows down.
Engage your child or baby by singing songs or talking to her/him while driving — this will help focus on the child.
Do not be distracted by using a cell phone while the child is in the car.
When parking the vehicle at home, always lock car doors and trunks, and keep keys out of children’s reach; teach children that cars are not places to play.
Get in the habit of placing a purse, briefcase or other important items in the back seat next to the child’s car seat to help remember to check the back before leaving the car.
Be particularly mindful on days when there is a change in routine or schedule. For example, if one spouse is dropping the child at day care on the way to work when typically the other spouse does.
If anyone sees a child or pet left unattended in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.