The Enid Police Department released a statement regarding leaving children in hot cars during the hot summer months.
In the last 25 years, over 970 children have died of heatstroke due to being left in a hot car. Everyone needs to understand that this incident is easily avoidable.
Heatstroke starts taking affect when the core body temperature reaches about 104°. A child can die when their body temperature hits 107°.
Never leave a child in an unattended vehicle for any length of time; opening windows and parking in the shade has minimal improvement to the vehicle’s temperature. Always check your entire vehicle–especially the back seat–before locking and leaving the car.
Here are some ways to remind yourself to check your car:
- Place your purse or briefcase in the backseat
- Place a stuff animal in the passenger’s seat to remind yourself
Always lock your car when your not using it because a child can get into your vehicle.
If you see a child alone in a locked car, immediately call 911. A child in threat of heatstroke should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and quickly cooled.
