Vehicles Become Ovens For Children
Wednesday, June 26, 2002

Statistics reported by the Harnett County Child Fatality Prevention Team show a disturbing trend.

From 1996 through 2000 more than 120 children nationwide, most of them 3 and younger, died from heat stroke after being trapped in vehicles.

Those children were left behind in closed and parked cars by parent or caregivers, or they gained access to the car on their own and could not get out.

Parents may think they can safely leave a child in a vehicle for a quick errand.  Unfortunately, a delay of just a few minutes can lead to tragedy.

When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than that of an adult. This could cause permanent injury or even death.

Abiding by the following tips should help lower the heat-related fatalities:

• Never leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle, even with a window slightly open.

• Teach children not to play in, on or around cars. On a summer day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach potentially deadly levels within minutes.

• Always lock car doors and trucks, even at home, and keep keys out of children’s reach.

• Watch children closely around cars, particularly when loading or unloading.

• Check to ensure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Do not overlook sleeping infants.

For more tips on child safety, call the Harnett County Department of Public Health at (910) 893-7550 extension 2727.