The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in countless ways this year. Employees are working from their living rooms, schools are moving to a virtual setting and overall, people are staying home more than ever before. As the weather gets warmer during the summertime it becomes increasingly difficult to stay confined to the house – especially for children who may not understand the new changes to their routine!

Unfortunately, heatstroke deaths are not an unheard tragedy during the summer. Whether a child decides to play in a car, or an adult forgets to check their back seat, disaster can strike at any minute. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 children died of heatstroke in 2019 due to being trapped in a hot car. 

Know the facts about heatstroke:

• A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adults. When a child is left in a hot vehicle, that child’s temperature can rise quickly – and they could die within minutes.
• Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees.
• A core body temperature of about 107 degrees is lethal.
• Parents, guardians, and bystanders all play a role in preventing heatstroke. If you see a child alone in a locked car, remove them immediately and call 911. 

Always LOOK before you lock. When at home, keep your car doors and trunk locked so children cannot climb in to play without realizing the danger they could be in. Lastly, always keep your car keys out of reach of children.