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.