From Newark Police
We all know the sadness and disbelief we feel when we read local headlines about a child dying after being left unattended in a hot car.
In the last twelve years, nationwide over 450 children have died after being left in a hot car (sometimes on relatively mild days with only 70 degree temperatures) most of them ages three and younger.
They died from heat stroke after being trapped in the car. In the summer of 1999 alone, an average of one child every four days died after being trapped in a car parked in the searing heat.
Many parents mistakenly think they can leave a child in a vehicle while running a "quick" errand. Yet, a delay of just a few minutes can lead to tragedy.
Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult causing permanent injury or death.
Children should never be left alone inside of your car, even for a few minutes. California has a law prohibiting unattended children in a vehicle.
As school's out for summer, kids are everywhere and parents should be too. Even though your children may be older, make sure you're on watch, so that you won't have to take a trip to the emergency room.
Enjoy the summer with your children - SAFELY!
