Never leave your child in the car!

As a parent, you always want to keep your child safe from any harm. One important safety rule to keep in mind is to never leave your child alone in the car, even for a short period of time.

Leaving a child alone in a car, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can be very dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on average, 39 children die every year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Additionally, leaving a child unattended in a car can also put them at risk of injury from accidental shifting of the car, getting trapped inside the car, or being kidnapped.

It is important to understand that even with the windows down or the air conditioning on, a car can heat up very quickly, especially on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and can continue to rise quickly from there. This can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.

In addition to the danger of heatstroke, leaving a child unattended in a car can also put them at risk of injury or harm from other factors. A child who is left in a car unattended can accidentally shift the car into gear or release the parking brake, causing the car to move and potentially injure the child. Children can also become trapped in the car or hurt themselves with the car's controls, such as the power windows or locks.

Moreover, leaving a child unattended in a car can also make them more vulnerable to kidnapping. An unattended car can attract the attention of strangers, who may attempt to take advantage of the situation and harm the child.

This condition called hyperthermia can happen quickly without the parent realizing the dangers of leaving the child in the car alone.

Even with the windows down, the temperature in the car can rise quickly and parents should not underestimate this. Young children’s core body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s resulting in brain damage or death if not attended to.

Dangers of leaving your child in the car include:

• Heatstroke can lead to permanent brain damage and death.
• Climbed out of a car seat and shifted the car into gear.
• Become ill or worse from heat or car fumes.
• Abduction when someone broke into their car.

Signs of heatstroke:

• An extremely high body temperature
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Simple steps to prevent hyperthermia (heatstroke) in young children: 

1. Lock your vehicle to ensure that your child cannot climb in without your knowledge.
2. Never leave your child unattended in the car. Rather take them with you or leave them at home with a caregiver.
3. Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even with the windows down.
4. Leaving the car running and the air conditioning on doesn't make your child any safer, even if it is just for a few minutes.
5. Teach children about the dangers of a car. A car is NOT a toy.
6. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition. Call for medical help if you suspect that your child has heatstroke.
7. If your child is missing, be sure to check all vehicles and car boots immediately.
8. When it comes to your child, their safety comes first so always think before you do anything that may put your child in danger, even if it's unintentional!

Children are not the only ones in danger when left inside cars. Pets, especially dogs, are also at risk when left unattended in vehicles as they can be very susceptible to high temperatures.

In conclusion, never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. It is important to always keep your child with you, and if you must leave the car for any reason, take your child with you. Remember, a car can heat up quickly and become dangerous, and leaving a child unattended in a car can also put them at risk of injury or harm. Always prioritize the safety of your child and take every precaution to keep them safe.