Page 5 - Ft. Huachuca Scout 6-12-15

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015
Check back seat for children before locking, leaving vehicle
Fort Huachuca Safety Team
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
The Scout 5A
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 mem-
ber 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 al-
ways 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 ve-
hicle 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 de-
grees.
Anyone who sees a child alone in a vehicle should
get involved. Call 911 or 520.533.2181/2183 imme-
diately. 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.