Dangers of leaving kids in hot vehicles

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says heatstroke is the #1 killer of children besides car crashes

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - First responders in Imperial County are getting the word out to inform the community about the risks and dangers of leaving your kids in a car.

The Imperial County Public Health Department, Emergency Medical Services Agency, the California Highway Patrol, and the El Centro Fire Department are working together to help reduce heatstroke deaths by raising awareness.

Leaving your child or pet in a car no matter how long, can be deadly with the high rising temperatures, it’s a risk local law enforcement doesn’t want anyone to take.

Summer is fast approaching and so are the face-melting temperatures that come with it across the Desert Southwest.

“Half of all vehicle-related heat stroke deaths in children are due to accidentally leaving a child in a hot car," said Andrew Miller, El Centro Fire Department.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an education campaign called “Where’s Baby? Look Before You Lock." This effort is to help save lives and spread awareness of the dangers of heatstroke.

So far in the United States, there have already been two child deaths related to heat stroke.

In 2023, nearly 30 children died while left in a car. 

The average number of child heatstroke fatalities in the U.S. per year since 1998 is 38.

The California Highway Patrol said there will be consequences if a child is seen in a car with adult supervision.

“California law section 15620a states a parent, legal guardian or other person responsible for a child six years of age or younger may not leave inside motor vehicle under conditions that present a significant risks for the child health and safety a violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine parent may also be prosecuted for child endangerment and manslaughter," said Arturo Platero, California Highway Patrol.

Here are three important things to follow and remember:

1. NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended even if the engine is running and the air conditioner is turned on. 
2. Make it a habit to look in the backseat EVERY time you exit the car; and
3. ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach.  

Here are the warning signs of heatstroke:

• red, hot, and dry skin,
• no sweating,
• strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse,
• nausea, confusion, or acting strangely.

If a child shows any signs of heatstroke after being in a hot vehicle, make sure to cool the child rapidly by spraying them with cool water or with a garden house, according to a press release.

Never cool the child with an ice bath and contact 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.