With temperatures expected to reach close to 90 degrees today, and the Summer months quickly approaching, Police and Hatzolah are once again reminding parents never to leave children in a hot vehicle – or any vehicle for that matter – even for a minute.
Each year, dozens of children die nationwide from being left in a hot vehicle, according to statistics from police.
A closed hot vehicle can reach fatal temperatures within minutes. See demonstration below.
The NJ State Police offers the following factors, circumstances and tips.
Factors:
• Children’s temperatures rise 3-5 times faster than adults
• With windows rolled down, vehicles temperatures can reach 125 degrees in minutes
• Cracking window has little to no effect on slowing rising temperatures in vehicles
Circumstances:
• Unknowingly left in vehicle 54.25%
• Got into vehicle on their own 31.58%
• Knowingly left in vehicle 11.94%
• Circumstance unknown 1.82%
• 87% 3 years old or younger
The NJSP offers the following prevention tips:
• Place your purse or briefcase in back seat requiring you to open door every time you park
• Place a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat. Place the stuffed animal in the front seat when your child is using the car seat as a reminder they are in the car.
• Have your babysitter or daycare facility call you if your child does not arrive when expected to do so.
• Make it a point to check the vehicle and car seats to ensure no one is left behind.
[TLS]
Do they really mean with windows rolled DOWN? How can it reach that hot with windows rolled down? We drive in that air all day…