Scorching Summer Heat: Keeping Missouri Kids Safe
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June 25, 2009
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The inside of a vehicle can reach temperatures well over 100 degrees in just a few minutes during the summer. That's why the Children's Trust Fund of Missouri is reminding parents not to leave children alone, even for a a minute, in a car or truck.
This month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that about 27 children die each year from either overheating or hypothermia because they were left behind in a car. Kirk Schreiber, executive director of the Children's Trust Fund of Missouri, says no matter what the outside temperature is, leaving kids alone in a vehicle is never a good idea.
"Children left alone, even if it's for the shortest time, are in danger of becoming dehydrated, overheated, hypothermic or injured; they might be abducted or even die."
Schreiber says every July the Children's Trust Fund launches a radio campaign, "Not Even For A Minute," to raise awareness about these dangers. But this year the Fund is sounding the alarm early, he warns, because temperatures already are exceeding 90 degrees in parts of the Show Me State.
Schreiber notes summertime often means new schedules for families. Because these changes in routine can result in overlooking a child in the back seat, he suggests parents need a strategy so they don't accidentally leave their child behind in a hot car.
"It might be helpful to place your baby's diaper bag or small toy in the front seat to serve as a constant, visible reminder of your child's presence in the car."
Schreiber also recommends putting a purse, briefcase or other personal item in the back of the car - another trick to help busy parents remember a child as they reach back to retrieve their things.
Paula Cunningham with the Children's Trust Fund of Missouri has more information at 573-751-2266, as does the organization's website, www.ctf4kids.org.