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With summertime comes summer heat, so parents and caregivers should take extra steps to make sure children do not get left behind in a hot vehicle.
“On just a sunny 60 degree day, it can be up to 110 degrees in the car,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “Especially with our hot and humid area around here in the Ohio River Valley, the other thing to think about is a car’s temperature can rise 19 to 20 degrees in about 10 minutes.”
Crane says many new cars have alerts on the dash reminding you to check the backseat, but you can also make reminders for yourself.
“Set an alarm on your phone,” Crane said. “Tell somebody to text you. When you get to work, have them text you ‘How did Johnny do today at care?’ Maybe use a stuffed animal to put in the car seat when the child is not there and then put it in the front seat with you when the child is in the seat, that way you’ve got a visual reminder there.”
If you see a child locked in a hot car, verify that the child is alone and then take action.
“Try to communicate with the child,” Crane said. “Call 911, and get the child out if the child looks like they’re in distress. If they’re not communicating, it looks like they’re sweating a lot and everything, try to get that child out. There are laws that protect good Samaritans in an honest situation.”
Keep keys away from children and keep cars locked so you can keep kids out of the car when you are not there.
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