OAK HILL, WV (WOAY)- In 2024, 39 children died of heat stroke after being left in a hot vehicle. These situations are preventable. To help prevent this from happening, here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
First and foremost, which many say would be the obvious advice, is never leave your child unattended for any length of time.
Make a habit of always checking your backseat before locking your car and walking away. 50% of heat strokes in children in cars are due to the parent or caregiver forgetting the child is even in the car. An easy tip so you know to check is to place your personal item, like your purse or briefcase, in the backseat so you always checking.
Another tip for everyone with or without a child, make sure to always lock your vehicle after exiting. Also, keep your fob or keys out of reach of children. Over 230 children had died because they got into a car they shouldn’t have and became trapped.
If you’re a bystander and see a child in a hot car, call 911.
