Keep kids out of hot cars

Within a matter of minutes, cars can reach lethal temperatures

The brutal Texas heat is here and every summer there are reports of children dying from hyperthermia (elevated body temperatures) who were left in the hot car by adults.

It can take only a few minutes before temperatures inside an automobile become lethal. Within the first 10 minutes the interior temperature of a closed vehicle can rise 19 degrees above the outside temperature; in 20 minutes, the interior of a car can be 29 degrees hotter than outside.

If it were 86 degrees (mild for Texas summers), internal car temperatures can quickly reach 135 to 154 degrees.

A child's body warms up three to five times faster than an adult's because of their smaller body mass, and heatstroke occurs when core body temp reaches 104 degrees. A body temp of 107 is usually fatal. In a hot car, a child's skin turns red and dry. They become unable to sweat. Their heart rate quickens, they become confused or combative and eventually lose consciousness. Their organs fail and, without adequate oxygen in the hot car, they may asphyxiate.

Follow these tips to ensure your child stays out of hot cars:

• Never leave a child unattended in a car, even when you leave the windows down and even if your car is light colored on the interior or exterior.
• Make sure everyone in the car gets out when you leave the vehicle. Don't forget about sleeping babies or infants. Make it a habit to walk around the car's perimeter to see that all occupants are out.
• Keep a reminder about your child in the backseat. A stuffed animal can be used in the car seat when your child isn't there. When the child is in the seat, put the toy in the front seat as a reminder. You may also place your purse, diaper bag or briefcase in the back seat so you'll check before leaving the car.
• Make a plan to have child caregivers call you if your child does not show up for daycare or school.
• Lock your car and trunk and keep keys out of reach when not in use.
• Before putting children back in the car, open the doors to let some cooler air in. Remember to check seats and seat belts to make sure they are not hot enough to burn sensitive skin.

With a few precautions, you and your child can safely make it through another Texas summer.

Resources

Heat-Related Illnesses
Safety In and Around Cars
Harrison's Hope

Tags: hyperthermia, heatstroke, car seat