This post was sponsored Auto Alliance as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
It can be so easy to think you’ll just run into a store quickly or drop something off and leave the kids in the car for just a second. But, it’s never a good idea. How often do you turn on the news and see another baby or toddler injured or dead from heatstroke from being left in the car? It just happened again here in Texas this past week.
Did you know that once a vehicle is parked, even if the windows are left open a crack, the temperature inside can reach the outside temperature in just minutes, and it doesn’t even matter if you just had the air conditioner on? Even when the weather feels cool outside, temperatures in a car can rise quickly and exceed more than 120 degrees, which can be lethal for children. Little ones are even more at risk because their bodies can heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults. Children can suffer a heatstroke in just minutes.
According to data, there is an average of 37 little ones lost each year from being left unattended in cars. More than 50% are under one year of age, and 75% are under two years of age. These deaths can be prevented!
Having a new baby myself, this is one of my greatest fears. Going on little sleep with a new baby, it’s so easy to forget what you’re doing.
We have to be vigilant and prevent heatstroke. You can do this by following ACT:
- Avoid
- Create Reminders
- Take Action
AVOID: You can avoid heatstroke-related injuries and death by NEVER leaving your child alone in the car, not even for a minute, not even to just run in somewhere real fast, just don’t do it. Plus, keep your car locked, even at home, so your kids can’t get in the car on their own and get stuck in a hot car.
CREATE REMINDERS: Put something in the back of your car that you will definitely need at your last stop such as your purse or briefcase or cell phone. If you’re not following your normal routine and don’t always have the baby with you, this is a lifesaver so you don’t just head out on autopilot and forget your sweet little one is there. My diaper bag always goes in the car right on the floor under the infant seat, just in case.
TAKE ACTION: If you see a child left unattended in a car, here’s what you can do. Call 911! Don’t feel guilty about doing it. Your call could save a life. I have personally done it myself. Emergency personnel want you to call and are trained to respond to these situations.
Forgetting the baby in the car is a tragedy that can be prevented. You can learn more about heatstroke prevention and help spread awareness. One day you might just save a life.