Look in back seat before locking, leaving vehicle

By Fort Huachuca Safety TeamJune 11, 2015

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Every summer, heartbreaking and preventable deaths happen when children are left alone in hot cars.

More than 600 U.S. children have died from being left in hot vehicles since 1990. On average, 38 children die in hot cars each year from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside motor vehicles. Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car, and the end result can be injury or even death.

Although vehicular heatstroke deaths can occur any time of year, rising temperatures during this time of year draw even more attention to the importance of "looking before you lock."

Many parents and caregivers who have left children in hot cars say they simply forgot the child was there. Here are a few ideas on how to reduce the risk of forgetting a child:

Never leave children alone in or around cars, not even for a minute.

Put something you'll need such as your cell phone, handbag, employee ID, briefcase or lunch on the floor board in the back seat.

Get in the habit of always opening the back door of the vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. This will soon become a habit. This is called the "Look Before You Lock" campaign.

Keep a large stuffed animal in the child's car seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It's a visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal is up front, you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.

Make arrangements with the child's daycare center or babysitter that you will always call if the child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled.

This is common courtesy and sets a good example that everyone who is involved in the care of your children is informed of their whereabouts on a daily basis. Ask them to phone you if the child doesn't show up when expected. Many children's lives could have been saved with a telephone call from a concerned childcare provider. Give childcare providers all telephone numbers, including that of an extra family member or friend, so they can always confirm the whereabouts of your child.

Also remember to keep vehicles locked at all times; especially in the garage or driveway and always set the parking brake. Cars are not play areas.

Keys and remote openers should never be left within reach of children.

Make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked.

When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately. When the outside temperature is 101, the temperature inside a vehicle is 140 degrees.

Anyone who sees a child alone in a vehicle should get involved. Call 911 or 520.533.2181/2183 immediately. If the child is in distress, get him or her out as quickly as possible.

Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes and periods of crisis or holidays.

For more information, call the Fort Huachuca Safety Office at 520.533.8373.