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Motherhood Moment with Healthy Start

By Jamee Thumm September 25, 2016

Everyone Can ACT

The temperatures outside are sweltering, with days still in the 80s and 90s. But the temperatures inside cars can be even hotter, reaching over 125 degrees in minutes. For infants and children, this is especially dangerous as their body temperatures can increase 3-5 times faster than adults, creating a deadly environment in moments.

Heatstroke is the #1 cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and under. Help prevent it by remembering to ACT:

Avoid. We all try to juggle multiple things – rushing from one activity to another, living our sometimes hectic lives on fast forward. Take a moment to pause and double check your car. Account for all children in your care and NEVER leave a child alone in a vehicle – even if it’s a quick stop. Cars left unattended can be dangerous as well, a tempting lure for children to play in. Always keep your doors locked to prevent kids from getting inside on their own.

Create Reminders. Find ways to remind yourself – leave something you’ll need in the backseat or near your child’s carseat, such as a purse, briefcase, or cell. It may seem like such a simple thing, but it can be a helpful reminder on those hectic days.  

Take Action. If you see a child alone in a hot car, take action and call 911. If the child looks distressed or in danger due to the heat, please get the child out of the vehicle fast and cool them down. There are 10 states with “Good Samaritan Laws” – Florida is one of them.

With these simple steps, we can all keep kids safe from heatstroke in cars.

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For more information about the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County please visit their website here.