Building a Weather-Ready Nation: Hot Car Dangers

news image
Special Stories
13 Apr 2021 12:53 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlhCr12X4M

FROM NWS HEAT SAFETY TIPS & RESOURCES

It is NEVER safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway.  Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes! A reported 24 toddlers have died in hot cars in 2020, a death was reported as early as April and tragedies continue into mid-September, with past deaths recorded in December in southern states. Cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun. Find out more. Get resources to remind you or friends with children in both English and Spanish from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  You will find vital information about the dangers of leaving children, pets or anyone with limited mobility alone in a car even for a few minutes in what might seem like mild weather. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. In addition to carefully watching toddlers, check in on older relatives who don't have air conditioning.  This group is also more at risk of heat illness and death. Stay informed about the health dangers of heat, prepare yourself for excessive heat events, and know what to do during an excessive heat wave. Protect yourself from excessive heat, use educational materials and specifics on how the National Weather Service keeps you aware of potentially dangerous situations. NWS makes learning fun with games and activities to help educate your children about the dangers of heat and provide you with links for more information. Spanish language outreach materials are also available. Learn from real life heat victims. You can also see our heat safety videos.
All Weather News
More
Severe Storms and Flooding Return to the Plains & Midwest

Severe Storms and Flooding Return to the Plains & Midwest

Severe weather looks to return to parts of th

12 Oct 2026 11:50 AM
Tropics: Another Blob in the Atlantic, Pacific Stays Hyperactive

Tropics: Another Blob in the Atlantic, Pacific Stays Hyperactive

Isaias ended the late-season streak of no hur

12 Oct 2026 11:35 AM
Digging Trough Brings Wind and Snow to the Rockies this Week

Digging Trough Brings Wind and Snow to the Rockies this Week

A strong upper-level trough digging south fro

12 Oct 2026 11:30 AM
Isaias Makes Landfall as A Category 2, Recapping it's Impacts

Isaias Makes Landfall as A Category 2, Recapping it's Impacts

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, F

12 Oct 2026 11:20 AM
Hot Weather Baking the Heartland This Week

Hot Weather Baking the Heartland This Week

More records were broken across the central p

12 Oct 2026 11:05 AM
Rachel Spreading Moisture into the Southwest

Rachel Spreading Moisture into the Southwest

Rachel came ashore in far northwestern Mexico

12 Oct 2026 11:00 AM
Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

Deep tropical moisture streaming north from t

8 Oct 2026 1:00 PM