As temperatures rise during the summer months, the risk of heatstroke increases for children who are left in a hot car. This is a serious issue that can have deadly consequences.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 37 children die each year in the United States due to heatstroke after being left in a car.

It’s important for parents to take precautions to prevent this from happening to their child. Here are some tips to help:.

Tip #1: Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Car

It may seem like common sense, but it’s worth repeating: never leave your child alone in the car, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, even with the windows cracked open.

In a matter of minutes, a car can become dangerously hot, putting your child at risk for heatstroke.

Tip #2: Keep Your Car Locked

When your car is parked, always keep it locked with the windows up. This will help prevent your child from accidentally getting into the car and getting trapped inside. It’s also a good idea to keep your keys out of reach of children.

Tip #3: Use a Reminder System

It can be easy to forget that your child is in the car, especially if you’re busy or distracted. To help prevent this from happening, use a reminder system.

This can be as simple as leaving an item you need (like your phone or wallet) in the back seat, which will remind you to check the back seat before leaving the car.

Tip #4: Teach Your Child About Car Safety

Teach your child about car safety, including the dangers of hot cars. Explain to them that they should never play in or around a parked car, even if it seems fun.

Help them understand that cars can become dangerously hot, and that they could get very sick or even die if they get trapped inside.

Tip #5: Check for Sleeping Children Before Exiting the Car

If your child falls asleep in the car, it can be easy to forget that they are there. Before you exit the car, check the back seat to make sure that your child is not sleeping in their car seat.

Tip #6: Plan Ahead

Plan ahead to avoid leaving your child in the car. If you’re running errands, try to schedule them during a time when your child can stay home with a caregiver.

If you need to bring your child with you, make sure to bring them with you when you get out of the car.

Tip #7: Be Aware of the Risks

It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with leaving your child in a hot car. Heatstroke can be life-threatening and can cause permanent damage to a child’s organs, including their brain, heart, kidneys, and liver.

Take steps to prevent this from happening to your child.

Tip #8: Stay Vigilant

Staying vigilant is key to preventing your child from being left in a hot car. This means being aware of your child’s whereabouts at all times, and making sure that they are always safe and supervised.

If you see a child alone in a car on a hot day, call 911 immediately.

Tip #9: Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are several apps and devices available that can help you remember to check the back seat for your child before leaving the car.

Some of these apps use your phone’s GPS to detect when you are driving and remind you to check the back seat when you arrive at your destination.

Tip #10: Spread Awareness

Spread awareness about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. Talk to your friends and family members about this issue, and encourage them to make sure that they never leave their child alone in the car.

If we all work together to prevent this from happening, we can make sure that no child dies from heatstroke after being left in a hot car.