Last year, the second lowest number of fatalities due to heatstroke was recorded since 1998. Safe Kids Worldwide believes this is due to the commitment and hard work of advocates, Safe Kids coalitions (like the one in
Campbell County), parent advocates, media and our national partners. Together, we got the word out that no child should be unattended in a vehicle, not for a minute. This year, we look to build on that momentum.
Heatstroke is a condition that occurs when the body isn't able to cool itself quickly enough and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Children are at great risk for heatstroke because a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's. When the internal body temperature reaches 104 degrees, children's organs start to shut down. And when it reaches 107 degrees, the child can die.
Take Action
Safe Kids Campbell County wants to remind you what to do to protect kids from heatstroke. Remember to ACT:
A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you're not in it so kids don't get in on their own.
C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you're not following your normal routine.
T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.
Additional Resources
If you want more resources on how you can help prevent heatstroke, we've got you covered. Visit www.safekids.org/heatstroke. You can help us spread the word to your community to stop these preventable tragedies.
Download the Safe Kids fact sheet on heatstroke.
Safe Kids Campbell County provides our community with free car seat checks, bike rodeos and much more to help educate our children on preventing accidental injuries. For more information, contact SafeKids Campbell County at 307.688.SAFE (7233) or visit www.cchwyo.org/safekids.