As summer temperatures continue across Central Texas, the City of Kyle and Hays County EMS District 9 are reminding parents and caregivers that leaving a child alone in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes—can quickly become life-threatening.
Children are especially vulnerable to heat because their bodies warm much faster than adults. On a hot day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly, putting children at risk of heatstroke in a matter of minutes.
“Never leave a child alone in a vehicle—not for a quick stop, not with the windows cracked, and not even if the car is parked in the shade,” said Chief Hill of Hays County EMS District 9.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Signs include confusion, dizziness, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, seizures, and hot, flushed skin. If a child is showing signs of heatstroke or is left unattended in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately.
The inside of a car can reach over 100 degrees in less that 10 minutes in the summer heat. Be sure to keep your loved ones safe by following these car safety tips:
Don’t leave your children or dogs in a locked car: Even with the windows cracked temperatures can reach dangerous levels in minutes. Children’s body temperatures rise 3-5 times faster than an adult, making them much more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Cracking a window does not substantially lower the interior temperature of a parked car.
Always check your back seat before locking your car: Make it a habit to check your whole car (especially the backseat) before locking and walking away from it.
Store keys out of reach of young children: Children can get trapped in cars after climbing in. Be sure to explain to children that a car is not a play area. 50% of child heatstroke related deaths are from them being left in the car by accident.
If you see a child left in the car call 9-1-1 immediately. Emergency personnel will provide guidance.
For more information on staying safe during extreme heat, visit CityOfKyle.gov/heat.
